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Trials by ordeal were based on superstitions of people, both Christian and pagan. In some places they were authorized by law and, at times, supported by the Church. In other places and times they were condemned in written law and forbidden by the popes.

Trial by ordeal was often done by making a person reach into boiling water to retrieve a stone, or tying the person up and throwing them in a river, with the belief that an innocent person would sink and die. But it was not always so hurtful, dangerous, and cruel. There was a system called the "Ordeal of ingestion," in which a person was given dry bread and cheese to eat after it had been blessed by a priest for the purpose. If the person choked, he was considered guilty. While it might have been unfair and silly, it was at least less cruel, a fact that made it more acceptable to people who would otherwise have objected.

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Q: Why did medieval trial by ordeal happen?
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Related questions

What is it meant by 'Trial by ordeal' and 'trial by jury?

Trial by ordeal was a medieval practice where the accused underwent a physical test to determine guilt or innocence, believed to be divinely inspired. Trial by jury is a legal proceeding where a group of citizens listen to evidence and testimony to determine guilt or innocence based on the facts presented.


What are some disadvantages of trial by ordeal?

what is the disadcantages of trial by ordeal


Was Trial by compurgation used to replace trial by ordeal?

no it was not


What is the difference between trial by jury and trial by ordeal?

Trial by jury involves a group of impartial individuals who decide the verdict based on evidence presented in court, while trial by ordeal relies on a physical test or ritual to determine guilt or innocence, often involving supernatural elements. Trial by jury is based on reasoned analysis and legal principles, while trial by ordeal is based on superstition and a belief in divine intervention.


Why was all fate decided by trial by ordeal in the middle ages?

The belief then during the Middle Ages was that he who has not done wrong will be protected by the gods and that by doing the trial by ordeal, the innocent ones would survive the ordeal as they will be protected by the gods.


Why did trial by ordeal end?

I do not have any idea sorry


When did trial by ordeal in middle ages start?

Trial by ordeal did not originate in the Middle Ages. It probably developed in prehistory, but certainly existed in the earliest historic periods. There is a link below.


What is ordeal?

an extremely severe or trying test, experience, or trial.


What are some disadvantages of trial of ordeal?

cant theoretically find truth


What is the meaning of ordeal?

An ancient form of test to determine guilt or innocence, by appealing to a supernatural decision, -- once common in Europe, and still practiced in the East and by savage tribes., Any severe trial, or test; a painful experience., Of or pertaining to trial by ordeal.


What is the origin of the term trial by fire?

The term trial by fire originated from the ancient judicial practice of trial by ordeal. An ordeal was something unpleasant or dangerous that an accused person was subjected to in order to prove innocence. Fire was one of the ordeals used at the time. Many of these trials led to death.


What were the three methods of determining innocence in Germanic law?

compensation trial by ordeal oath swearing