FAQ About Magic in the Middle Ages

Yes, there were several famous witch trials that took place during the Middle Ages. While the peak of the witch hunts occurred during the later part of the medieval period and into the early modern period (16th and 17th centuries), some significant witch trials did take place during the Middle Ages. Here are a few notable examples:

• The Trier Witch Trials (Germany, 1581-1593): The Trier witch trials were among the largest and most notorious witch trials in medieval Europe. Between 1581 and 1593, over 300 people were accused and executed for witchcraft in the city of Trier and its surrounding regions.
• The Fulda Witch Trials (Germany, 1603): The Fulda witch trials, which occurred in the Bishopric of Fulda in 1603, resulted in the execution of at least 250 individuals accused of witchcraft.
• The Valais Witch Trials (Switzerland, 1428-1447): The Valais witch trials in the Swiss Alps were one of the earliest recorded witch trials in Europe. Many individuals, mostly women, were executed after being accused of witchcraft.
• The Basque Witch Trials (Spain and France, 1609-1611): The Basque witch trials targeted people in the Basque region of Spain and France. Hundreds of individuals were accused and executed during these trials.
• The Würzburg Witch Trials (Germany, 1626-1631): The Würzburg witch trials led to the execution of hundreds of accused witches, with the trials lasting from 1626 to 1631.
• The Torsåker Witch Trials (Sweden, 1675): The Torsåker witch trials were one of the last and largest witch trials in Sweden, resulting in the execution of 71 individuals accused of witchcraft.