Who were the flaggleants?

Answer 1

The Flagellants were a religious sect that emerged in Europe during the 14th century, particularly during the Black Death. They believed that self-inflicted suffering, such as public whipping or flagellation, could atone for sins and invoke God's mercy to alleviate the plague. Their practices were controversial and often condemned by the Church, which viewed them as extreme and heretical. The movement eventually declined by the late 14th century, largely due to its association with radicalism and its conflict with church authorities.