On October 17, 1483, Dominican friar Tomas de Torquemada was appointed by the Pope to the position of Grand Inquisitor, launching the Spanish Inquisition.
Things. On October 17, 1483, Dominican friar Tomas de Torquemada was appointed by the Pope to the position of Grand Inquisitor, launching the Spanish Inquisition. Inquisitors used many methods and devices in their "inquisitions," i.e. torture sessions designed to force confessions out of accused heretics. The strappado was usually not as elaborate as the system pictured here. The accused would have their hands tied behind their back, similar to handcuffing. A rope would be tied to the wrists and passed over a pulley, beam, or hook, depending upon the place where the torture took place. As the accused was pulled off of the ground, they were hanging from their arms. Then, they were dropped. At the very least,shoulders would be dislocated. Water torture was also used. The accused would lay on his or her back and be strapped to a board. Securing the ankles, wrists, arms, and legs was essential to prevent the accused from thrashing around. Once secured, a rag or some type of clot...