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Witchcraft in Germany
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| 1486 |
Publication of Malleus Maleficarum (Hammer of Witches) by
Jakob Sprenger, Dean of Cologne University, and Prior
Heinrich Kramer: a code for witch-hunters |
| 1532 |
Issue of the Carolina Code. This code imposed torture and death for
witchcraft. The code was technically adopted by the 300-odd
small independent states which then comprised the Holy
Roman Empire |
| 1563 |
Council of Trent resolves to win back Germany from Protestantism
to the Catholic Church: intensification of religious struggles
and persecutions |
| 1590 |
William .V begins witch hunt in Bavaria |
| 1618 |
Start of the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) during which the witch
hunt throughout Germany was at its height |
| 1628 |
Trial of Johannes Junius, Burgomaster of Bamberg, for witchcraft |
| 1631 |
Publication of Cautio Criminalis by Friedrich von Spee opposing
the witch hunt |
| 1632 |
Death of the Prince-Bishop of Bamberg marks the end of the terrible
persecutions in this large principality ( 1609-1632) |
| 1655 |
Last execution for witchcraft in Cologne (where persecution less
severe) |
| 1775 |
Last official execution for witchcraft in Germany (of Anna Maria
Schwiigel at Kempten in Bavaria) |
| 1787 |
All witchcraft laws in Austria repealed |
