From ancient civilizations to modern times, the brutality of these punishments serves as a chilling reminder of humanity's capacity for cruelty. Here, we uncover seven of the most barbarous punishments ever inflicted:
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Crucifixion: Perhaps the most infamous form of execution in history, crucifixion was practiced by ancient civilizations such as the Romans as a means of public humiliation and deterrence. Victims would be nailed or tied to wooden crosses and left to die slowly, enduring excruciating pain and exposure to the elements.
Flaying: This gruesome punishment involves the removal of a person's skin, often while they are still alive. Flaying was employed by various cultures throughout history, including the Aztecs and ancient Persians, as a method of terrorizing enemies or punishing criminals. The process was agonizing and frequently fatal due to shock and blood loss.
Impalement: Used by ancient civilizations such as the Assyrians and Ottomans, impalement involved driving a sharpened stake through a person's body, usually through the anus or genitals. Victims would be left to suffer for hours or days as they slowly bled to death, serving as a deterrent to potential dissenters.
Brazen Bull: A diabolical invention of ancient Greece, the brazen bull was a hollow bronze statue with a door in its side. Victims would be placed inside the bull, and a fire would be lit underneath, roasting them alive. The bull's design amplified the screams of the dying, creating a terrifying spectacle for onlookers.
Scaphism: This ancient Persian method of execution involved trapping the victim between two boats or hollowed-out tree trunks and force-feeding them a mixture of milk and honey. The victim would be left to fester in their own excrement as insects and vermin consumed their flesh, resulting in a slow and agonizing death.
Blood Eagle: A brutal form of execution practiced by the Vikings, the blood eagle involved carving an eagle-shaped pattern into the victim's back, breaking their ribs, and pulling their lungs out through the wounds. This horrific ritual was reserved for particularly heinous criminals or enemies of the tribe.
Sawing in Half: Used as a punishment during the medieval period, sawing in half involved suspending the victim upside down and sawing them in half from groin to head. The process was deliberately slow to prolong the suffering, with some accounts describing victims remaining conscious until the final moments.