THE SPANISH INQUISITION. PART SEVEN
Once the torture had “ proved ” the victim’s guilt of heresy, an auto de fé was held, at which sentences were passed and carried out, and these were held in circumstances of such pomp and ceremony as had not been witnessed since the days of the Circus Maximus in Rome. In order to impress upon every citizen the power of the Inquisition, they were held on Sundays, on days of fiesta, or one of the Church’s holy days. They were also held to celebrate notable occasions: such as a coronation; a visit... Sign in to see full entry.