Exorcism has a fascinating, unsettling history, and it’s left an indelible mark on pop culture thanks to films like 1973's 'The Exorcist.' Here are six historical exorcisms that are every bit as chilling as anything Hollywood can produce.

WITCHES
The old bottle filled with rusted nails looks like trash, but it was actually used by a Union soldier to ward off evil spirits during the Civil War.
Conduct a seance by standing in the 400-pound planchette and letting the spirits move you across the board.
One woman was accused of witchcraft in part because she gave birth to five children without feeling any pain.
Archaeologists plan to use the 3D model to find out exactly what the woman’s face looked like, warts and all.
Mary was a remorseless conwoman and killer who duped many of those around her—until she finally met her match.
The beloved musical 'Wicked' first opened on June 10, 2003 in San Francisco—and it was just announced that it will be turned into a film, hitting theaters December 2021.
7. Note the number of pets she has.
It's reportedly been home to a murder, suicide, and Aleister Crowley.
For many Millennials, 'Hocus Pocus' is a Halloween classic. Celebrate spooky season with these 11 facts about the beloved Disney Halloween movie.
They've come a long way, baby.
“The World Bewitch’d” will use documents, illustrations, manuscripts, and books from university archives to explore the historical origins of belief in witches.
From myths to literature to giant squid, here's how some of our favorite eerie creatures and legends got their start.
The memorial marks the rocky outcrop near the bottom of Gallows Hill where 19 Salem residents accused of witchcraft lost their lives in 1692.
Some say that in 1940, a secretive coven used a ritual to keep Hitler out of the UK.
Hogwarts letter got lost in the mail? Don't worry: You can still experience Halloween the Harry Potter way by visiting one of these events.
Being labeled as magical didn't lead to a charmed life for these women.
In 1996, 'The Craft'—a movie about a group of teenage witches starring Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True—hit theaters and completely changed the subgenre.
The practice of witchcraft is deeply rooted in history, and has—excuse the joke—conjured up some very interesting myths.
Nearly three centuries after her death, Maria Bertoletti Toldini may get a second chance for justice.
The library’s extensive Witchcraft Collection is open to the public and available online.
Helen Duncan was known as a "materialization medium"—someone who could not just commune with the dead but produce physical manifestations of them.