Torture During The Middle Ages

During the middle ages, hundreds of torture devices were created to punish individuals, some more lethal than others. Though, not all people who were forced to succumb to the torture were actually guilty, it still became very popular. There are three torturing devices that seem to stick out more than the others. One of the most gruesome methods of torture was the torture rack. The torture rack consisted of four ropes, two at the top and two at the bottom, which the victim's wrists and ankles were put in. At the top and bottom of the box-like frame were rollers with levers attached to them. As they pulled the levers, the victim was stretched. This could cause the victim’s bones to become dislocated and or even have the muscles torn apart, rendering the limb useless. If you managed to survive this method of torture you may not be able to use your limbs, depending upon if they were either dislocated or torn. Though this method was very gruesome, the next one is one of the most popular. The Judas Cradle, also known as the Judas chair, was one of the most popular forms of torture during the middle ages. The victim was stripped naked and hoisted up into the air. Then they were placed over a sharp pyramid supported by wooden beams. The victim was then lowered onto it. The tip was either inserted …show more content…
The chair, commonly made of either wood or metal, was completely covered with spikes. The amount of spikes ranged from 500 to 1500. The victim was forced to sit in the chair, completely strapped down. To make it more painful, they added weights to the body, pressing it into the spikes. Though the spiked did not penetrate any vital organs, it did cause extreme pain. The victim did not die quickly because the spikes not only penetrate the skin, but also closed the wound. Not many people survived this because once they left the chair, the wounds would open up, causing them to bleed to