Torture has been a part of human history for thousands of years. From ancient Romans to medieval executioners, people have been inventing new methods and instruments to make the pain last longer and be more acute and unbearable. But why? This article will explore the various forms of torture throughout history, from the ancient Romans to the modern-day drug lords.
Ancient Rome
Ancient Romans were known for their brutal methods of torture. One such method was the use of rats. Imagine being tied up on your back with a cage full of giant rats placed on your stomach. The executioner would then throw burning poles on the cage, causing it to heat up. The rats, unable to escape the heat, would start digging a tunnel through your belly, biting your skin and muscles and ripping your bowels apart. To make the suffering even worse, the executioner would then place burning coals right into the open wound on your stomach.
Heretic's Fork
The Heretic's Fork was a torture instrument used during the Inquisition in the Middle Ages. It was a two-pronged fork that was attached to a collar around the victim's neck. The prongs of the fork were placed under the chin and the chest, making it impossible for the victim to move their head or lie down. This caused immense pain and discomfort as the victim was forced to stand or sit in one position for hours or even days. The Heretic's Fork was often used to extract confessions from those accused of practicing the "wrong" religion. It was a particularly cruel and inhumane method of torture that caused both physical and mental suffering for the victim.
Middle Ages and Inquisition
Medieval executioners were worthy successors to ancient Romans, with their own methods of torture. One such instrument was the lead sprinkler, which was filled with molten lead, boiling oil, resin, and even acid. The executioner would then spray the liquid all over the victim's naked body, leaving severe burns on the skin. To make the suffering even worse, the executioner would pour the boiling liquid on the person's eyes or mucosa.
Another popular form of torture during this era was the bottle dungeon. These cells were usually narrow and very deep, with prisoners thrown to the bottom and the hatch closed. Inside, there was no place to lie down or even sit. Victims would have to stand and couldn't move a muscle for hours and days on end. Spikes were sometimes placed on the floor of the dungeon to increase the victim's physical suffering even more.
Colombian Necktie
The Colombian Necktie is a form of torture that gained popularity in the 1950s, attributed to the famous drug trafficker Pablo Escobar. However, it was popularized even before Escobar's time. The victim would be immobilized, and their neck would be cut, choking on their own blood. The executioner would then stick their fingers into the wound and pull the tongue out. The cut on the neck would be vertical for the Colombian Necktie and horizontal for the Colombian Necklace.
Why is Torture Still Used?
Despite the widespread condemnation of torture as a brutal and inhumane practice, it continues to be used in various parts of the world. One of the main reasons for its continued use is the belief that it is an effective means of extracting information and confessions from prisoners. Another reason is that it is often used as a means of punishment and intimidation. In some cases, torture is used to extract confessions from those accused of crimes, even when there is little evidence against them.
Conclusion
Torture has been a part of human history for thousands of years, and it has taken many forms. From ancient Romans to medieval executioners, people have been inventing new methods and instruments to make the pain last longer and be more acute and unbearable. The Colombian Necktie, bottle dungeons, lead sprinkler, and Heretics Fork are just a few examples of the cruel and inhumane methods of torture used throughout history. It is important to remember the atrocities of the past to ensure they are not repeated in the future.