The Bamberg witch trials were a series of witchcraft trials that took place in Bamberg, Germany, between the years 1626 and 1631. This period was characterized by widespread fear and suspicion of witchcraft, leading to a surge in accusations and prosecutions. The trials were carried out by the Bamberg Prince-Bishop, Johann Georg II Fuchs von Dornheim, who believed that the city was infested with witches and demons. Under his authority, numerous individuals, mostly women, were accused of practicing witchcraft. The exact number of victims is unknown, but it is estimated to be around 300. The accused were subjected to harsh interrogations and torture methods in order to extract confessions.
Auf der beigefügten Tafel steht: „Ihr Leid verpflichtet uns zum Aufstehen gegen Ausgrenzung, Machtmissbrauch, Entwürdigung und jede Art von Fanatismus.“
Dazu trug vor allem das Eingreifen des Reichshofrats, des obersten kaiserlichen Gerichts in Wien, ebenso bei sowie Initiativen der päpstlichen Kurie. The case of the Bamberg witches prison counters the modernist slant of the study of the prison, proof that medieval and early modern carceral institutions shaped the history of their societies, despite smaller scales and weaker state apparatuses.
The accused were subjected to harsh interrogations and torture methods in order to extract confessions. These methods included the strappado, water torture, and the use of thumbscrews. Many of the accused eventually confessed to the charges, often implicating others in the process.
Why Early Modern Mass Incarceration Matters: The Bamberg Malefizhaus, 1627–31
Address correspondence to Spencer J. Weinreich, 78 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138. Email: [email protected].
Search for other works by this author on:Journal of Social History, Volume 56, Issue 4, Summer 2023, Pages 719–752, https://doi.org/10.1093/jsh/shac066
Published: 31 January 2023 ViewsCite
Spencer J Weinreich, Why Early Modern Mass Incarceration Matters: The Bamberg Malefizhaus, 1627–31, Journal of Social History, Volume 56, Issue 4, Summer 2023, Pages 719–752, https://doi.org/10.1093/jsh/shac066
Navbar Search Filter Mobile Enter search term Search Navbar Search Filter Enter search term SearchOnce a confession was obtained, the accused were sentenced to death through burning at the stake or beheading. Their property was seized by the authorities, contributing to the financial gain of both the Prince-Bishop and the city. The trials came to an end in 1631 when the city of Bamberg was invaded by Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War. The invading forces put an end to the witch trials and brought an end to the reign of Johann Georg II Fuchs von Dornheim. The Bamberg witch trials were part of a larger European phenomenon known as the witch hunts. During this time, thousands of individuals, mostly women, were accused and executed for practicing witchcraft. The trials were fueled by superstition, religious fervor, and social tensions, leading to mass hysteria and the persecution of innocent individuals. Today, the Bamberg witch trials stand as a disturbing reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the potential for abuse of power. The trials highlight the importance of due process and the protection of individual rights in the face of fear and suspicion..
Reviews for "The Banberg Witch Trials: Socioeconomic Factors and Accusations of Witchcraft"
- John123 - 1 star - I was really looking forward to reading "Banberg Witch Trials" as I am a big fan of historical fiction, but I was sorely disappointed. The story was slow-paced and lacked any real excitement or intrigue. The characters were poorly developed and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with or care about them. Overall, I found the book to be dull and unengaging, and I struggled to finish it.
- SarahC - 2 stars - "Banberg Witch Trials" had a promising premise, but it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was convoluted and overly descriptive, causing the story to drag on. Additionally, the dialogue was stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to immerse myself in the narrative. I also found the portrayal of the witch trials to be shallow and lacking historical accuracy. While the concept had potential, the execution left much to be desired.
- BookLover22 - 2 stars - The Banberg Witch Trials was an underwhelming read for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself losing interest multiple times throughout the book. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with their struggles or empathize with their actions. Additionally, I felt that the historical setting was not well-developed, and the author missed an opportunity to explore the fascinating world of witchcraft and the realities of the time period. Overall, I found the book to be a disappointing and forgettable read.