QUICK FACTS
The Spanish Inquisition was establish on November 1, 1478 and disbanded on July 5, 1834.
The Spanish Inquisition was establish by Catholic Monarch Ferdinand the second of Aragon and Isabella the first of Castile.
The Spanish Inquisition was one of several inquisition that occurred between 12th and 19th century.
The word "inquisition" refers to the tribunal court system used by both the Catholic Church and some Catholic monarchs to root out, suppress and punish heretics. These were baptized members of the church who held opinions contrary to the Catholic faith.
The inquisition system was based on ancient Roman law. It was different from other court systems because the court actually took part in the process of trying the accused. The term "inquisition'' has a third meaning- the trials themselves.
Because of its association with torture and execution, inquisition remains a controversia and difficult subject.