The Dark history of Witch hunt in Europe

The European witch hunts, a period of intense persecution of individuals accused of witchcraft, occurred primarily between the 14th and 18th centuries, with the most severe period being from 1560 to 1630.

This period saw the trial of roughly 100,000 people and the execution of an estimated 40,000 to 60,000, with the majority of trials taking place in the Holy Roman Empire.

While widespread across Europe, the most intense witch hunts occurred in parts of the Holy Roman Empire, especially southwestern Germany. 

Accusations of witchcraft were most prevalent among the lower classes, with neighbors and family members often making formal accusations.

Roughly 80% of those accused were women, often older and unmarried.

Several factors contributed to the rise of witch hunts, including the Reformation, religious wars, and a climate of fear and uncertainty.

Torture, often with the use of implements like thumb screws, was employed to extract confessions from the accused. Punishments varied, but burning at the stake was a common method of execution.

As the 18th century progressed, witch hunts became less frequent, and by the end of the century, they largely disappeared.