The confrontaion between the Spanish and the Otoman empires during the 16th century and the rise of the corso in the Mediterranean Sea during the 17th century, caused the increase of slaves and the chance of apostasies. The Knights of Malta and all Maltese corsairs caught many Chrisian renegades who were denounced to the Roman Inquisiion. Between 1574 and 1670, 922 renegades, from all around the Mediterranean and Europe, were judged and punished in Malta. Their trials are a moving account of their lives.