The Spanish Inquisition was the longest and most ruthless investigation of faith of all time. Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Christians and all non-Catholic religions were besieged by the Spanish government's persecution. Although it was not intended, thousands of innocent Spaniards were tortured and killed once the King and Queen of Spain established the Inquisition. An Inquisition is a very complex process and at first it seemed harmless. The Inquisitions were designated as a series of tribunals (tribunals). believed to push non-Catholics to repent and convert to Catholicism. Catholic leaders viewed their faith as a superior religion and wanted everyone to become Catholic and establish a homogeneous belief (Bachrach 10). The Holy Office, also known as the Papacy, was the highest authority over Catholic countries. In order for an Inquisition to be issued, the Holy Office, or the Pope, must grant permission (Bachrach 12). The Papacy established the Inquisition in some countries to counter any threat against Catholicism. The Inquisition was initially intended to prevent civil unrest, social corruption, and bloodshed (Bachrach 12). However, this was not the case. The Church began to empower government officials called Inquisitors to essentially hunt down “unbelievers” and silently question them about their faith (Bachrach 12). Almost all the citizens questioned refused to cooperate. This infuriated the Inquisitors and the Holy Office, and the harsh punishments gradually increased. These despicable Inquisitions originally began around 1200 AD and several Inquisitions continued until almost 1850 AD (Bachrach 13). The Spanish Inquisition, the cruelest of all, seemed like an innocent way to carry... half the paper... to the pulley, until their limbs fell apart. Horrifyingly, many died during this procedure. As for imprisonment, if even a single word was uttered against the Catholic Church, a man could be imprisoned for 4 to 20 years (Coffin 84). The number of people killed is astonishing. Over 10,200 innocent people were burned at the stake, while another 6,800 died in prison. Countless others died during torture (Coffin 95). Nearly 100,000 civilians had their property confiscated and their civil rights revoked as greedy Catholic Inquisitors ransacked their homes (Coffin 95). Virtually all of those who were massacred were Jews (Coffin 95). As the Inquisition spiraled out of control, thousands of Jews fled neighboring towns to avoid the massacre. The Spanish Inquisition was certainly more violent and cruel than any other Inquisition.