A notorious example of this censorship was the “Index Librorum Prohibitorum,” or the List of Prohibited Books. The Church crafted this list during the Renaissance, but it originated in the Medieval Inquisition era. Notably, works by renowned scholars, such as Roger Bacon, were included.

Heretical books often met their end in public ceremonies called “auto-da-fé,” or “act of faith.” These events aimed to frighten people and deter them from challenging the Church. If someone possessed a banned book, or was even suspected of engaging with one, they risked severe punishments. These included imprisonment, forced penance, or even execution.

The Inquisition’s rigorous censorship hindered the advancement of knowledge in the Middle Ages. The Church suppressed many scientific ideas that conflicted with its beliefs, barring them from gaining acceptance and improving the world. Nonetheless, the Church believed it was safeguarding its followers’ spiritual health.

Yet, even during these grim times, the urge to learn and explore persisted. Numerous courageous scholars and scientists risked their lives to study, document, and disseminate their discoveries, despite facing persecution.

Besides banning and burning books, the Church treated people it labeled as heretics in the same brutal manner, subjecting them to similar grim fates.