Many of us are familiar with the Salem Witch Trials. We have heard the various reasonings behind the possible causes of “afflictions” that some of the accused suffered from. Salem is the most popular noted location. However, there were several other places involved in this mass hysterical outbreak of ridiculousness.

Being Halloween season, I thought I’d take a short trip into the past with talking about the Salem Witch trials. Well, I realized just how extensive that was. We focus on Salem I think because it has become a popular tourist location, especially this time of year. And, I also knew the phenom originated in Europe. Wow! Thanks to AI, I was able to compile a short list of other places.

The below list was taken from an AI Google search. I was actually surprised of the list in Europe most of all. I was also surprised at the lack of countries listed. I thought for sure, there would have been a few different ones.

Witch trials occurred in Europe and the American colonies. The worst persecution periods were between the 15th and 17th centuries. Germany saw the highest concentration of witch trials and executions. The New England colonies experienced their own significant episodes. The Salem witch trials were the most famous.

Germany

The German territories of the Holy Roman Empire were the epicenter of the witch-hunting craze. There were tens of thousands of executions. The region’s political fragmentation contributed to the lack of oversight and allowed local officials to conduct mass trials. 

• Bamberg (1626–1631): Known for its intense witch panic, which resulted in the executions of approximately 600 people by burning at the stake.
• Trier (1581–1593): An archbishop ordered a mass purge, leading to the executions of hundreds of people from all social classes. It was one of the largest mass executions in Europe during peacetime.
• Würzburg (1626–1631): Hundreds of people, including children and elite citizens, were burned at the stake during the reign of Prince-Bishop Philipp Adolf von Ehrenberg.
• Fulda (1603–1606): Following a period of exile, Prince-Abbot Balthasar von Dernbach launched a massive investigation into witchcraft. 

Scotland

Scotland had a much higher rate of witch trials and executions than neighboring England. There were five major series of trials between 1590 and 1662. 

• North Berwick (1590–1592): After a severe storm hindered his travel, King James VI of Scotland blamed witchcraft and became directly involved in the torture of suspects.
• Torsåker (1674–1675): One of the largest mass killings of witches in Sweden (which then ruled this area), where 71 people were executed in a single day, based largely on the testimony of children. 

England

Compared to mainland Europe, witch trials in England were often more restrained. They typically used hanging instead of burning. The trials also involved less torture. 

• Pendle, Lancashire (1612): One of the most famous trials in English history, resulting in the hanging of ten people. It took place in a poor, lawless area where folk magic was common.
• St. Osyth, Essex: Known for several witch trials in the 16th and 17th centuries. Accusations were often fueled by neighborly disputes and grudges. 

Switzerland

Some of the earliest systematic witch hunts began in Switzerland. 

• Valais (1428): One of Europe’s first large-scale witch hunts began here, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people over several years. 

Italy

Witch trials in Italy were often more localized and less frequent than elsewhere in Europe, with the Inquisition tending to focus more on heresy. 

• Triora (1587): This town became known as the “Salem of Italy” when a famine led to accusations of witchcraft. While some were tortured, most of the accused were imprisoned or exiled rather than executed. 

American Colonies

Witch trials were particularly common in the New England colonies during the 17th century. 

• Salem, Massachusetts (1692–1693): The most famous American witch trials occurred here, during which over 200 people were accused. Nineteen were hanged, one was pressed to death, and several died in prison.
• Hartford, Connecticut (1647–1663): Occurring before the Salem trials, Connecticut had its own series of persecutions. The first person executed for witchcraft in New England was Alse Young in Hartford in 1647.
• Other New England Towns: Accusations and arrests extended to other Massachusetts towns, such as Andover and Topsfield. Overall, 14 women and 2 men were executed in Massachusetts and Connecticut prior to Salem. 

The most notable countries missing from the list are Ireland and Romania (previously known as Transylvania). Why am I surprised these countries aren’t listed here? You would know these countries are often mentioned with various lore if you are interested in the supernatural.

The AI conducted a deeper search. It turns out that Ireland had very few mentions of witch trials participation. In contrast, Romania was quite involved in them. This was mostly due to it falling under a German influence.

I got lost in a rabbit hole of research. I was quite surprised by much of what I read. I was also quite disgusted. Being at the mercy of petty arguments and pompous rulers.

If you are interested on the extensive witch trial history, go take a dive. I am now thankful for advances in modern medicine and knowledge. I am also grateful for changes in the legal system, which were ironically influenced by some of these same trials.

We no longer have to fear being tried as a witch for food contamination or medical ailments. We no longer fear pissing off our neighbors and being branded a witch and sentenced to death. I realized that condemnation for being different has been present throughout most of history. It’s still present today. We’ve just learned how to hide it better and keep it (mostly) contained.

Ready for some controversy? Churches still condemn for different religious beliefs. Neighbors still condemn because others are different. Governments still kill for not following their beliefs. Getting involved in the controversies are a hole other rabbit hole, so I’ll just end this here.

What are your thoughts? I love speaking to others and sharing opinions. Feel free to comment below.