Burning at the stake
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See also Execution by burning
Burning at the stake was the method of execution favored by the Inquisition. It was used in the case of relapsed or unrepentant heretics. Strictly speaking burning at the stake was not carried on by the Catholic Church itself, the prisoner being turned over to civil authorities for execution. The victim was bound to a large wooden stake then faggots were piled about them. The faggots were then set afire. In the case of heretics who had a following among the population such as John Hus who was martyred at Constance in 1415, after the fire died down the body was dismembered, the bones removed and broken, then burned again and the ashes scattered in a stream to prevent them from being used as relics
