Inquisition

Timeline

1. 1230–1250Rome · LazioGregory IX issued decretals such as Ad extirpanda, establishing local inquisitorial systems run by orders such as the Dominicans, investigating heresies like the Cathars through secret trials and denunciation.
2. 1250–1400Southern France · OccitaniaThe Inquisition operated widely in southern France, Italy, and Germany, with inquisitors traveling to try heretics; from the 14th century heresy trials became intertwined with local politics and church finances, intensifying an atmosphere of social fear.
3. 1478–1700Seville · AndalusiaThe Spanish Inquisition was established under Ferdinand and Isabella, targeting converted Jews and Muslims (Conversos and Moriscos); it became a powerful royal tool for controlling faith and society, exceeding the Roman Inquisition in scale and cruelty.
4. 1700–1834Spain · SpainEnlightenment thought and liberal movements criticized the inquisitorial system; the Roman Inquisition was abolished in the early 19th century, and the Spanish Inquisition was finally abolished in 1834 with liberal reforms, ending the Inquisition as an institution.