During the Inquisition, one infamous punishment commonly used was torture, which sought to extract confessions or compel alleged heretics to reveal other heretics. Various methods of torture were employed, ranging from physical distress to psychological intimidation. Prominent forms included the rack, water torture, and thumb screws. The use of these brutal techniques underscored the severity of the Inquisition’s mission to root out heresy, often leading to public executions and burning at the stake for those deemed guilty. This period highlighted the intense religious fervor and societal control exerted by the Church, with widespread implications for personal freedoms and religious practices.