This Week in Christian History: Salem Witch Trials, Battle of Breitenfeld, Spanish Inquisitor Dies
Tomás de Torquemada Dies — September 16, 1498
This week marks the anniversary of when the infamous Spanish Inquisitor Tomás de Torquemada passed away after a career which saw the execution of approximately 2,000 alleged heretics.
A native of Valladolid in modern day Spain, Torquemada became synonymous with the worst abuses of the Spanish Inquisition, overseeing extensive torture and execution over a wide range of religious and secular offenses.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Torquemada was appointed Grand Inquisitor for Castile and León, exerting influence on religious public policy as well as inquisition courts in other Spanish regions.
"In 1484 he promulgated 28 articles for the guidance of inquisitors, whose competence was extended to include not only crimes of heresy and apostasy but also sorcery, sodomy, polygamy, blasphemy, usury, and other offenses," noted Britannica.
"These articles were supplemented by others promulgated between 1484 and 1498. The number of burnings at the stake during Torquemada's tenure has been estimated at about 2,000."
