Jan Machielsen

Jan Machielsen, author of "The Basque Witch-Hunt: A Secret History", dives into the witchcraft hysteria that gripped the Basque Country in the early 17th century. He reveals how societal fears and local judges like Pierre de Lancre fueled these panic-driven accusations. The role of frightened children as accusers is particularly chilling, showing how fear can distort reality. Machielsen also uncovers the unique geographical factors that made this region ripe for witch-hunting, challenging simplistic views of historical witch trials.