50 Worst Ways to Die
Taken from Maxim (Volume 1, Number 3, 1999): “The 50 Worst Ways to Die”
The following are some ways people were executed in Europe during the time period we are studying. My intent here is not to “gross you out.” It is not even to shock you. The sad fact is that throughout history, especially in Europe, people have thought of incredibly cruel and barbaric ways to punish those who have committed crimes. This, unfortunately, is part of history.
As you are aware, we are currently studying the Renaissance and the continuing development of nation-states. During this time, some monarchs tried to unify their young nations through religion. In Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella imposed the Inquisition on the population. Established in 1479, the Inquisition was a national agency created to convert Spanish Muslims and Jews to Christianity. It was presided over by Tomas Taquemada. The Inquisition tortured suspected heretics and infidels without mercy. Many of the techniques described below were used, ironically enough, in the name of Christianity.
1. Cracked Open
Where: Scandinavia
When: 8th to 12th centuries
Description: The victim’s chest was split open with an ax. After cracking the rib cage, the lungs were removed. Death came from massive blood loss.
Where else: All over Europe during the same time period
2. Impaled on a Spike
Where: Rome and the Balkans
When: 1st through 16th centuries
Description: The victim was impaled through the pelvis. Gravity did the rest as the body slowly moved down the pole. On the way down, internal organs were pierced. Struggling only hastened death by wriggling the stake up toward the skull.
Where else: Vlad the Impaler, the 14th century Hungarian warlord who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, got his tag by impaling the captured soldiers of armies he defeated. (Add to information on Vlad)
3. Spun to Death
Where: Europe
When: the Middle Ages through the 1800s
Description:
The following are some ways people were executed in Europe during the time period we are studying. My intent here is not to “gross you out.” It is not even to shock you. The sad fact is that throughout history, especially in Europe, people have thought of incredibly cruel and barbaric ways to punish those who have committed crimes. This, unfortunately, is part of history.
As you are aware, we are currently studying the Renaissance and the continuing development of nation-states. During this time, some monarchs tried to unify their young nations through religion. In Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella imposed the Inquisition on the population. Established in 1479, the Inquisition was a national agency created to convert Spanish Muslims and Jews to Christianity. It was presided over by Tomas Taquemada. The Inquisition tortured suspected heretics and infidels without mercy. Many of the techniques described below were used, ironically enough, in the name of Christianity.
1. Cracked Open
Where: Scandinavia
When: 8th to 12th centuries
Description: The victim’s chest was split open with an ax. After cracking the rib cage, the lungs were removed. Death came from massive blood loss.
Where else: All over Europe during the same time period
2. Impaled on a Spike
Where: Rome and the Balkans
When: 1st through 16th centuries
Description: The victim was impaled through the pelvis. Gravity did the rest as the body slowly moved down the pole. On the way down, internal organs were pierced. Struggling only hastened death by wriggling the stake up toward the skull.
Where else: Vlad the Impaler, the 14th century Hungarian warlord who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, got his tag by impaling the captured soldiers of armies he defeated. (Add to information on Vlad)
3. Spun to Death
Where: Europe
When: the Middle Ages through the 1800s
Description: