stackyFACTSThe justice system of the Middle Ages operated on a flawless, airtight logic: magic makes you waterproof.
The justice system of the Middle Ages operated on a flawless, airtight logic: magic makes you waterproof. During the witch craze, suspected women were subjected to the 'swimming test,' tied up and tossed into bodies of water. If you sank and drowned, congratulations, you were innocent! If you happened to float, it proved the pure water was magically rejecting your demonic nature, and you were immediately hauled out and executed. A true win-win for religious paranoia.
This article describes beliefs and cultural traditions, which are not necessarily scientifically established facts.
Keep exploring facts in this topic.
Myths & mysteries →STACKY FOR IPHONEKeep discovering with Stacky. Interesting facts in an app that is always within reach.
King James VI of Scotland became so terrified of dark mysticism after a severe storm delayed his wife's sea voyage that he personally attended witch trials…
Discover more
Because tying an expensive blue rock to your body is obviously the most scientifically sound way to deflect a demonic hex. Lapidaries were mystical books that…
Discover more
If there is one thing the British upper crust loves, it is forming a deeply pretentious society. Led by theosophist Alan Leo, a group of aristocrats decided…
Discover more
Spending years meditating just to realize you are not the main character of the universe is a tough pill to swallow. It completely annihilates your personal…
Discover more
When these strict pacifist dissidents relocated to Canada, they clashed heavily with government land registration laws. To properly express their extreme…
Discover more
Ignoring everyone around you is actually highly encouraged here. In silent meditation intensives, looking away from other participants is a strict rule…
Discover more