THE TRIAL OF GALILEO GALILEI BY THE ROMAN INQUISITION: A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

Abstract

One of the most famous trials in world history is that of the Florentine scientist Galileo Galilei in front of the Roman Inquisition. Based on historical sources, this article presents a comprehensive overview of the 1633 trial, the roots of which dated to Galileo’s 1613 publication on sunspots. It culminated with his publication of the Dialogue concerning the two chief world systems, Ptolemaic and Copernican. Although condemned by the Inquisition to imprisonment for an indefinite period, his sentence was commuted to house arrest until death.