Who were the witches in the 16th century?

In the 16th century, witches were often viewed as individuals, predominantly women, believed to possess supernatural powers and engage in malevolent practices, such as witchcraft and sorcery. This era, particularly in Europe, was marked by widespread fear of witchcraft, leading to witch hunts and trials fueled by religious and social turmoil. Many accused witches were subjected to torture and execution, reflecting deep-seated anxieties about women's roles and the unknown. The infamous Malleus Maleficarum, published in 1487, further propagated the witch-hunt mentality, solidifying the association of witchcraft with heresy and evil.