In 1474, in Basel, Switzerland, a rooster was accused of being involved in witchcraft.
The so-called “Basel Rooster Trial” is a curious historical event that allegedly took place in the year 1474 in Basel, Switzerland. It is claimed that a rooster was brought to trial on the accusation of laying an egg, which was considered highly unusual and seen as a sign of diabolical activity. The residents of Basel were concerned that the egg was from Satan and might possibly contain a basilisk, a creature from Greek mythology that has the upper body of a rooster, wearing a crown on its head, and the lower body of a snake.
The rooster trial occurred within the context of a church court proceeding, as religious beliefs about evil and devil worship were widespread at that time. A formal charge was brought, and there was apparently even a defense attorney who represented the rooster in court.
