Witch Trials Beyond Salem

WITCH TRIALS BEYOND SALEM – Witch Hunts the World Forgot

Welcome to Gothic Dust Diaries… where the past lingers, and the shadows tell stories. Today, we venture beyond Salem—into the darker, lesser-known corners of history where witches were hunted, accused… and often silenced.

While Salem’s 1692 witch trials are infamous, they were far from the worst. Europe’s witch-hunting frenzy spanned centuries—leaving an ocean of fear, superstition, and bloodshed.
"Europe’s witch trials: 1450s – 1750s"
"Estimated 40,000 – 60,000 executions"

🇩🇪 Germany—the heart of the Holy Roman Empire—was home to the deadliest witch trials in history. In Würzburg and Bamberg, entire towns were accused. Children, nobles, priests—no one was safe. One 9-year-old confessed under torture… and was executed.
“Würzburg Witch Trials (1626–1631)”
“Over 900 executed”

Scotland saw thousands of witchcraft accusations between the 16th and 18th centuries. One of the most notorious trials involved Agnes Sampson—an elderly healer accused of plotting against King James VI. She was tortured, shaved, and eventually strangled and burned.
“Agnes Sampson – Executed 1591”
“Scottish Witchcraft Act of 1563”

 But the hysteria wasn’t confined to Europe. In colonial Peru, indigenous women were targeted as “witches” by Spanish priests. Their spiritual practices were demonized. The witch hunts became tools of colonization, punishing ancient Andean traditions.
“Peru Witch Trials – 17th Century”
“Fear cloaked in faith”

In parts of Africa, accusations of witchcraft persist today. In Ghana, Nigeria, and the DRC, women—especially the elderly—are still exiled, beaten, or killed under suspicion. Witch camps exist… not for witches, but for survivors of fear-fueled violence.
“Witch camps – Ghana”
“Witchcraft accusations = gendered violence”

These forgotten witch trials were not about spells and potions. They were about control. About silencing the other, the different, the powerful women… and the powerless scapegoats.

The ashes of those accused still linger in our history. And Gothic Dust Diaries is here to sweep off the dust… one tale at a time.

https://youtu.be/RucuXcQOWvk?si=MRntRGwE0qccOdSK

Until next time, stay haunted.