Demonic Possession, Death by Hanging, 1520

Hanging of a farm woman declared by the Inquisition to be possessed by demons. It has been estimated that tens of thousands of people were executed for witchcraft in Europe and the American colonies over several hundred years. Although it is not possible to ascertain the exact number, modern scholars estimate around 40-50, 000. Common methods of execution for convicted witches were hanging, drowning and burning. Burning was often favored, particularly in Europe, as it was considered a more painful way to die. Prosecutors in the American colonies generally preferred hanging in cases of witchcraft. Image appeared in Rappresentatione della Passione, 1520

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1520 1520s Demonic Infamous Inquisition Notorious Occult Occultism Penal Possession Punish Punishing Sixteenth Sorcerer Sorceress Sorcery Supernatural Witchcraft Witchery Witches

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