The Flagellants. Heretical sect that arose in Italy in the 13th century. Their ideas were that salvation could be achieved by individual merit, without any intervention by the Catholic Church. It was also sufficient to take part in penitent processions to be absolved of sins. Heresy of the Flagellants. The Latin inscription on the standard carried by the Bishop of Hippo reads: "They sacrifice to the demon and not to God". Engraving by Huyot and J. Petot from a miniature of "The City of God" by Saint Augustine, 15th century. "Vie Militaire et Religieuse au Moyen Age et a lEpoque de la Renaissance". Paris, 1877.