Portuguese Inquisition

The Portuguese Inquisition was a series of tribunals established by the Portuguese government in the late 15th century, primarily to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in the kingdom. Initially targeting Jews who had converted to Christianity (conversos) but were suspected of secretly practicing Judaism, it expanded to include Muslims and later other groups. The Inquisition conducted investigations, trials, and punishments, which often included imprisonment and execution. Overall, it aimed to control religious thought and reinforce the power of the Church and the monarchy in Portugal during a time of exploration and empire-building.