The Portuguese Inquisition was a series of tribunals established in 1536 by the Kingdom of Portugal to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in the country. It primarily targeted Jews who had converted to Christianity, known as New Christians, as well as other groups like Protestants and heretics. The Inquisition aimed to root out any secret practices of Judaism or other non-Catholic beliefs. The Inquisition operated for over two centuries, leading to trials, imprisonment, and sometimes execution. It was part of a broader trend of religious persecution in Europe during the Counter-Reformation. The Portuguese Inquisition officially ended in 1821, reflecting changes in societal attitudes towards religious tolerance.