Medieval tortures refer to a variety of tortures used in the Middle Ages. Their main reason for using them was to extract confession from people or to force them to give information.
These methods included the use of heavy torture machines as well as the application of physical torture such as physical exhaustion, the imposition of torture positions or the use of instruments such as the Rack.
It is worth noting that the use of torture today is an unacceptable tactic and has been condemned by the international community. International legal agreements and conventions have prohibited their use.
Which of the best-known medieval tortures is the worst?
The medieval tortures of the poll
1. The Judas Cradle
The “Judas Cradle” was one of the most inhumane and gruesome means of torture used in the Middle Ages. Part of the device was a wooden tower.
First, the examiners tied the victim’s hands and feet. Then they would raise the victim to the top of the tower by pulling him with ropes. This peak was deliberately too sharp to cause incomprehensible pain and discomfort.
The victim was barely above the top of the tower trying to balance. But the more time passed, the harder it was to escape the fierce pain that the sharp nose would cause.
2. The Rack
The “Rack” is one of the most terrible medieval tortures. It was a machine that caused extreme pain and even permanent damage to the victim’s body.
Similar to Procrustes’ bed, the “Rack” had a wooden frame with two pivoting axles at the ends. The examiners would place the victim on the frame and tie his hands and feet. Then, they would twist the shafts hard, stretching the victim’s body. Muscles and tendons were stretched to such an extent that it caused excruciating pain.
The effects of torture were usually permanent and as a result the victims suffered long-term disability or died immediately from the severe injuries inflicted on them.
3. Iron Maiden
The “Iron Maiden” also known as the “Iron Maiden” is one of the most famous and at the same time gruesome medieval tortures. It was essentially a metal sarcophagus with internal sharp points. The victim would enter the Iron Maiden and be locked inside while the sharp prongs pierced his body all over.
As the Iron Maiden closed, the sharp prongs caused excruciating pain and bleeding to the victim. Apart from the excruciating pain, the agony of the victims was immense as they did not know in which parts of the body they would receive the punctures. The Iron Maiden was usually used to punish but also to force victims to confess or hand over information.
The “Iron Maiden” remains a dark symbol of the injustice and barbaric human nature of the past.
