Inés Esteban facts for kids

Inés Esteban (born around 1488 – died 1500), also known as Inés of Herrera, was a young Spanish-Jewish girl. At just 11 years old, she was seen as a special leader or prophetess by some people. Sadly, she was put on trial and killed by the Spanish Inquisition authorities.

Her Early Life

Inés Esteban was born around the year 1488. Her hometown was Herrera del Duque, a small place in western Spain, in the Province of Badajoz.

Her father, Juan Esteban, worked as a shoemaker and also prepared animal hides (a tanner). Inés's mother passed away when Inés was very young. Later, her father married again to a woman named Beatriz Ramírez.

The Conversos

Inés and her family were known as conversos. This term was used for Spanish Jews who had changed their religion to Catholicism. They did this to avoid being treated badly or punished. However, some conversos secretly continued to practice their Jewish faith.

A Young Prophetess

In August 1499, when Inés was only 11 years old, something remarkable happened. Many Jewish conversos in Herrera started to believe she had special spiritual gifts. They saw her as a prophetess, someone who could share messages from God.

Facing the Inquisition

Inés's time as a spiritual leader was very short. The Spanish Inquisition was a powerful group that investigated people suspected of not truly following the Catholic faith. They soon became aware of Inés.

The Inquisition authorities put Inés on trial. After the trial, she was put to death in the year 1500.

See also

In Spanish: Inés Esteban para niños