Devices of Human Torture

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Recommended: The nature of medieval punishments

Torture is a gruesome act of violence. In olden times, torture was used in Greek and Roman societies, as well as the twelfth-century Europe as a means for “truth” extraction and display of power. However, if torture was internationally condemned and abolished, with the special emphasis put on the improvements of human rights, the questions about its practice in the modern world remains unanswered. Historically torture has served for public penance using explicit instruments, places and the end result for some – execution.

Originally, public penance was used to set an example of what happens when someone breaks the law or being unruly. It was also used to embarrass or humiliate someone in a public setting for all to see. In some sort or form, the victim had to walk around town doing or wearing something to mark what they was being punished for. If a woman was misbehaving or acting out of character, the husband would put “The Brank” on her. The Brank is a type of device used to humiliate women who broke the public order through gossip or other means. It was a cage type device that went around her head and into her mouth and if the woman tried to speak, it would pierce her tongue. Coffin torture was also a very cruel device where the victim was locked for hours or longer. (Coffin)

From the dawn of time, our history has been darkened by unspeakable deeds of punishment, many of them carried out by earnest people with righteous intentions. Some of the foulest tortures have been inflicted in the name of religion. Some were stoned to death; others were thrown over cliffs or beaten into oblivion in various ways. The less fortunate might be torn apart by wild beasts, pitched into cauldrons of boiling oil, burned alive ins...

... middle of paper ...

... swifter death.

In conclusion, torture was a very cruel and gruesome act. From extracting confessions, to execution. The pain was unbearable and a lot of blood was shed. Historically torture has served for public penance using explicit instruments, places and the end result or some – execution.

Works Cited

“Coffin Torture”. Medieval Times and Castles. 2013. Web. 15 Nov 2013. http://www.medievality.com/coffin-torture.html.

“The Poor Law of 1601”. History. 2013. Web. 20 Nov 2013. http://prison102.tripod.com/history.html

“The Rack Torture”. Medieval Times and Castles. 2013. Web. 15 Nov 2013. http://www.medievality.com/the-rack-torture.html

“The Virgin of Nuremberg”. Medieval Times and Castles. 2013. Web. 15 Nov 2013. http://www.medievality.com/maiden-nuremberg.html

McIlwain, John. “Dungeons & Torture”. Pages 3, 11, 13, 14. Andover: Pitkin, 1998. Print.

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