Even though few actually say it out loud, the truth is that people have been fascinated with murder, atrocities, violence and crimes since immemorial times. Why do you think that the vast percentage of TV shows, movies, news and books often include – if they are not completely built – around murder and trials.
Irrespective of what draws people’s attention towards murder, be it the mystery of the crime itself or the fascination death exerts on us, one thing is for sure: when watching a show or reading a book regarding crimes, each and every one of us becomes captivated with the case and turns into a veritable detective. Let’s summarize the most shocking trials in history that still mesmerize people today.
1. The trial of Jesus
Irrespective of whether you are a religious person or an atheist, one fact remains: the Roman trial of Jesus Christ had a huge impact on the world. You just have to think about the numerous conflicts involving the believers and non-believers to realize the crucifixion was a paramount event. The mystery associated with Jesus and the way his trial was carried out is deepened by the fact that the only information people have about it comes from the Christian Bible.
2. The trials of the Spanish Inquisition
Until the reign of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Spain was known as the most enlightened and modern empire in Europe. However, what was once the congregation of multiple cultures and faiths turned into a witch hunt aimed to enforce the Christian religion on the local Jewish and Muslim population. Even though most of the documentation involving the deeds of the Spanish Inquisition has been lost, it is said that this institution tortured and condemned to death thousands of people.
3. The trial of Martin Luther
Soon after Martin Luther was excommunicated by the Catholic Church, he was called before an assembly of the Holy Roman Empire to defend himself. While the holy assembly was debating the arguments as to why Martin Luther does not repudiate his criticism, he ran away. Apparently, Martin Luther had a hunch about the jury’s decision, as the assembly ordered his capture and demanded a severe punishment to be enforced by the emperor.
4. The trial of Galileo Galilei
The trial of Galileo Galilei was one of the first great confrontations between the mystical realm of religion and the factual nature of science. In spite of the fact that many scholars agreed with his views and there was sufficient evidence to back up the fact that the Earth revolves around the Sun, he was trialed by the Inquisition and sentenced to house arrest. Heresy seems like a serious crime in the church’s view, considering that they admitted they were wrong and cleared Galileo’s name 300 years later.
5. The trial of Socrates
Because he always tried to challenge people’s thinking with circular and endless dialogues, Socrates was not the most popular man in ancient Athens. Perhaps, this is the main reason why he faced an unjust trial after being accused of corrupting the teens of Greece. According to some of his students (Xenophon and Plato), Socrates could have easily escaped town after the jury condemned him to death and he didn’t even try to convince the court of his innocence. Socrates preferred to remain loyal to the principle and played the role of executioner by willingly drinking poison.