WEEK 9: Inquisition Trials: Benandanti and Witches (1575-1581)

Appendix: Trials of Paolo Gasparutto and Battista Moduco (1575-1581)

This document provides source material illustrating the research, specifically focusing on the trial records against Paolo Gasparutto and Battista Moduco.

Trial of Paolo Gasparutto (Initial Phase: 1575 - Witnesses)

• Date: Cividale, 21 March 1575, trial for heresy against certain witches, completed on 26 November 1581.
• Monday, 21 November 1575:
  • Witness: Venerable priest Bartolomeo Sgabarizza, rector of Brazzano parish.
  • Judges: Iacobo Maracco (Vicar General of Aquileia), master Giulio d'Assisi (Inquisitor against heretical pravity).
  • Background: M. Piero Rotaro's child in Brazzano was sick from an unknown ailment.
  • Consultation: Madonna Aquilina (reputed to know about bewitchment) was consulted.
  • Diagnosis: M. Raimondo Raimondi's letter (M. Piero's father-in-law) stated the child was under a spell by a woman who supposedly ate meat on Fridays.
  • Paolo Gasparutto's Reputation: Bartolomeo Sgabarizza learned from M. Piero that Paolo de Gasparutto of Iassico claimed to roam at night with witches and goblins and could bewitch children.
  • Meeting with Paolo: Bartolomeo Sgabarizza urged M. Piero to summon Paolo. Paolo was questioned at M. Piero's shop doorstep.
  • Paolo's Initial Claim: Paolo stated the child was possessed by witches but