Were There Any People Who Spoke Out Against Medieval Torture Methods in Their Day?
Medieval Europe is often portrayed as a time of barbaric practices, including the use of various torture methods. However, it is not uncommon to find instances of individuals who bravely opposed these brutal practices during their time. While it might seem surprising, there were indeed voices that spoke out against torture in the Middle Ages. Let's delve into some of these examples.
The Case of Alonso de Salazar Frías: A Prominent Example of Skepticism
Alonso de Salazar Frías, an inquisitor during the early 17th century, applied a more reasonable approach to his trials. When faced with major witch trials, he requested sufficient evidence and found a grand total of zero witches. This was not particularly surprising since, contrary to popular belief, the Spanish Inquisition often refrained from directly applying torture.
Instead, their role was to provide a moral and faith-based framework for the accused, enticing them with the promise of confession and absolution. The actual torture was left to the local secular authorities, and the costs were taken from the assets of the convicted individuals.
Myth vs. Reality: Victorian Fantasies and Medieval Torture
It is important to note that many of the infamous medieval torture devices, such as the Iron Maiden, Pear of Anguish, and Chastity Belt, were actually creations of the Victorian era. These devices were popularized and romanticized during the Victorian period, but there is no contemporary evidence of these methods being used during the medieval period.
The earliest known depictions of the Chastity Belt date back to the 19th century, and only one medieval example is known to exist, which appears to have been satirical. This does not mean that torture was not used, but it was often more mundane and less spectacular, employing basic instruments like knives, hammers, restraints, and hot irons.
Legal Systems and Opposers in Continental Western Europe
In Continental Western Europe, legal systems were heavily influenced by Roman law. Romans believed that the confession of the accused was the key to proving a criminal case, leading to the frequent use of torture to extract confessions. As a result, speaking out against torture could potentially put individuals in grave danger, as they themselves might be subjected to torture to silence them.
A notable example is Artemisia Gentileschi, a young painter who was raped in Rome in 1611 by a friend of her father. In order for her testimony to be admissible, she was subjected to the thumbscrews. Similarly, when accused of heresy, individuals were often tortured to extract confessions.
The English Exception
England, on the other hand, had a legal system that was not based on Roman law and had evolved from the tribal laws of its pagan Germanic ancestors. This system did not include torture as a legal method of obtaining confessions. As a result, when the English Knights Templar were tried, the trial was a non-event as per English law. The Pope ordered torture, but King Edward II refused, stating that torture was not a legal practice in England.
This unique English legal system set it apart from the rest of Europe, reflecting the diverse cultural and legal backgrounds of the Middle Ages.
While medieval torture was undoubtedly prevalent, it is important to recognize the voices that spoke out against it. These individuals, though few and far between, played a crucial role in challenging and eventually reforming the cruel practices of their time.