Who led the early modern european witch trails?

Answer 1

The early modern European witch trials were primarily led by local authorities, including magistrates and clergy, who often acted on the influence of prevailing societal fears and religious beliefs. Key figures included inquisitors and judges, such as Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger, who authored the infamous witch-hunting manual, "Malleus Maleficarum." The trials were driven by a combination of superstition, misogyny, and the desire for social control, with significant involvement from both Protestant and Catholic institutions. These trials peaked between the 15th and 18th centuries, resulting in thousands of executions.