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Europe's witch trials: The numbers behind the myth

2026-10-31

Witches and witchcraft have captivated people for centuries. From the curse tablets of Ancient Greece to the witch of Wookey Hole, belief in magic has long been woven into human culture.

But accusations of witchcraft have also had deadly consequences. Across Europe, tens of thousands of people were investigated, prosecuted and executed during the witch trials that swept the continent peaking during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

One statistic is repeated again and again: that nine million people were killed during the witch trials. But where does that figure come from, and does the historical evidence support it?

In this episode, we speak to historian Dr Jan Machielsen about the reality behind this claim, exploring what the numbers can tell us about this dark chapter in European history.

If you have a story you'd like us to investigate, please contact [email protected].

Presenter/Producer: Lizzy McNeillSeries Producer: Tom CollsEditor: Richard VadonProduction Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleSound Mix: James Beard

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1,152

Latest episode

2026-10-31

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Tim Harford explains - and sometimes debunks - the numbers and statistics used in political debate, the news and everyday life.