Executions & Horrible Tortures From Olden Times

The earlier periods of history saw the development of some of the most horrendous forms of execution and torture ever devised by the hands of man. Life during these time held little value and crimes that we punished as misdemeanors today were often capitol offenses back then. Many castles back during these dark times had torture chambers that used to their helpless victims. During these times, torture was seen as a perfectly legal means to obtain confessions from prisoners. In fact, such confessions of guilt obtained under duress was admissible in a court of law, and these courts showed very little sympathy for those brought before them.

Crimes such as filing some metal from a coin, shoplifting a handkerchief, or a bit of lace could be punished with torture and even death. More serious crime like treason, inciting civil disobedience, or witchcraft could result in some truly horrendous punishments like being drawn and quartered. People accused of witchcraft were often submerged in water to test if they were a witch. It was thought that witches wouldn't drown, and pity the poor victim who survived being dunked in the water, because they would then suffer a terrible death by being burned at the stake.