Maria Barbara Carillo facts for kids
Maria Barbara Carillo (born in Jaén, Spain, in 1625 – died in Madrid, on May 18, 1721) was a woman who was put to death during the Spanish Inquisition. She was executed when she was about 95 or 96 years old. This makes her the oldest person known to have been executed because of the Spanish Inquisition.
Maria Barbara Carillo was sentenced to death for her beliefs. She was accused of returning to her Jewish faith. At that time, many Jewish people were forced to be baptized as Christians. However, some of them secretly continued to practice their Jewish religion. Maria Barbara Carillo was part of this group.
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Who Was Maria Barbara Carillo?
Maria Barbara Carillo was born in a city called Jaén in Spain in 1625. She lived a very long life for her time, reaching her mid-nineties. Her story is important because it shows how the Spanish Inquisition affected people's lives and beliefs.
The Spanish Inquisition Explained
The Spanish Inquisition was a special court system in Spain that lasted for many centuries. It started in the late 1400s. Its main goal was to make sure everyone in Spain was a practicing Catholic. If people were suspected of secretly following other religions, like Judaism or Islam, they could be investigated and punished.
Why the Inquisition Was Started
The Inquisition was created by the rulers of Spain, King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I. They wanted to unite Spain under one religion. This was a time when religious differences were seen as a threat to the country's unity and power.
How the Inquisition Worked
The Inquisition had its own judges and rules. People who were accused often faced trials where they had little chance to defend themselves. If found guilty, they could face various punishments, including being put in prison, having their property taken away, or even being executed.
Maria Barbara Carillo's Case
Maria Barbara Carillo's case is notable because of her age. She was accused of being a "converso" who had gone back to practicing Judaism in secret. A "converso" was a person who had converted to Christianity, often by force, but whose family had originally been Jewish.
Accusations and Beliefs
The Inquisition accused Maria Barbara Carillo of "heresy." This term meant going against the official teachings of the Catholic Church. For her, it meant secretly practicing Judaism after being baptized as a Christian. Many people like her faced similar accusations during this period in Spanish history.
The Outcome of Her Trial
After her trial, Maria Barbara Carillo was found guilty. She was sentenced to death. Her execution took place in Madrid on May 18, 1721. Her case highlights the harsh punishments given by the Inquisition to those who did not follow its rules.
See also
- List of people burned as heretics
- Crypto-Judaism
