The Salem witch trials began in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, a town named by English settlers after Jerusalem, meaning “city of peace”. It all started in January when some young girls in Salem Village claimed that unseen forces were afflicting them. A local minister suspected witchcraft right away.

Back in the 17th century, a witch was believed to be someone who made a deal with the devil and went against the Christian church. On February 29, four men and four girls officially accused three women of witchcraft, and interrogations began.

Soon, the whole situation spiraled. More than 200 people were accused—most of them women. Nineteen victims were hanged, and one man, Giles Corey, was crushed to death by heavy stones. In total, 20 innocent people were executed, including women, men, and even children.

The Salem witch trials are remembered as a major moment of mass hysteria and injustice, and they’ve had a lasting impact on how we think about law, evidence, and fairness today.