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Under the [[Puritan]] rule of the colony at the time, the existence of [[witch]]es was accepted as clear fact on scriptoral grounds. In accordance with [[Exodus]] 22:18, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live," witchcraft was criminalised and considered a capital offense.

Under the [[Puritan]] rule of the colony at the time, the existence of [[witch]]es was accepted as clear fact on scriptoral grounds. In accordance with [[Exodus]] 22:18, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live," witchcraft was criminalised and considered a capital offense.

These women were brought to trial and, under pressure, stated the names of others who were working together to posses the girls. These three women, along with sixteen others, were accused of witchcraft and were hanged. Nearly 150 were imprisoned.

These women were brought to trial and, under pressure, stated the names of others who were working together to posses the girls. These three women, along with sixteen others, were accused of witchcraft and were hanged. Nearly 150 were imprisoned. Those who had reservations about the proceedings often found themselves to be accused.  It is interesting to note that to avoid hanging, all the accused had to do was admit their guilt.  Such was the moral makeup of puritans that they would not do this even if it meant their lives.  One of the accused would not even dignify the proceedings by entering a plea.  He was tied on the ground and heavy weights were put upon his chest and would be kept there until he complied.  Two days later he died under the weight, but still had not entered a plea. 

Ironically, tourist influence has now made Salem known for a high density of [[occult]]-themed shops.

Ironically, due to the notariety of the trial that has survived to this day, tourist influence has now made Salem known for a high density of [[occult]]-themed shops.