Torquemada, Tomás de

¹

1. The first inquisitor-general of the Inquisition in Spain , in the late fifteenth century. Torquemada was known for his severity.

Torquemada, Tomás de

²

1. The first inquisitor-general of the Inquisition in Spain , in the late fifteenth century. Torquemada was known for his severity, especially with persons who were charged with illegally practicing Judaism . It is estimated that two thousand people were executed while he was in charge of the Inquisition.

Notes

Torquemada's name has come to symbolize ruthless persecution.