We document a strong, gender-specific association between witch trials in Europe in 1300{1850 and trust levels today. We link data covering more than 43,000 people tried for witchcraft across 21 European countries to the European Social Survey. Results suggest that women living in Nuts-2 regions where witch trials were more prominent significantly display lower levels of trust than men towards other people, the national parliament, the police, and politicians. These results suggest that historical events can have persistent effects on gender roles.

Discussant: Matteo Duni, Syracuse University, Florence Campus.