The term "Inquisition" refers to a series of institutions within the Roman Catholic Church aimed at combating heresy and maintaining religious orthodoxy. Established in the 12th century, it involved investigations, trials, and punishments for individuals accused of holding beliefs contrary to church teachings. The most notable inquisitions occurred during the Spanish Inquisition and the Roman Inquisition. The Inquisition employed various methods, including interrogation and sometimes torture, to extract confessions from suspected heretics. While it aimed to protect the faith, it often led to widespread fear and persecution, affecting thousands of people across Europe and beyond.