1. Medieval Torture

2. Introduction Many castles had torture chambers
The law did not contain rules about the treatment of people and torture
Different types of torture were used depending on the crime and social status of the person
Torture was a legitimate way to obtain confessions for trials in the Middle Ages

3. Pillory/Stock mild form of punishment used to humiliate
crowds often threw objects, such as vegetables
For more serious offenses, they might throw stones or objects.
Took place in the market or plaza so the villagers could see the suffering

4. The Brank
Metal cage placed over the head of a person who gossiped or lied
Used to humiliate
Lasted a few hours to months. 

5. Foot roasting
The victim's feet were imprisoned in the stocks and then red-hot coals were placed under them. If he refused to confess, his bare feet were exposed to the flames. 
The torture progressed until the victim's feet were charred to the bone.

6. The Rack

7. The Pendulum
The victim's wrists were tied behind his back. As the torturer turned the handle, the rope slowly elevated eventually dislocating the victim's shoulders.
This was very seldom a lethal torture method, as torturers used the pendulum mostly for inflicting psychological fear to extract confessions. 
Many confessed by the mere sight of this device.

8. Exposure
buried up to his neck letting any animals, insects or other people kill him slowly. 
Sometimes sentenced to a short period of exposure, depending on the crime.
Frequently died b/c they were defenseless
In many cases, the victim was simply left to die of hunger and thirst. 
This was a very popular method to use, since it was inexpensive, yet effective. The victim's remains were often left to serve as a warning.

9. The Chair 500 to 1,500 spikes per chair
It was a common practice to extract a confession by forcing the victim to watch someone else be tortured with this instrument.
Wounds were closed by the spikes which delayed blood loss greatly.
Could live hours to days

10. Burning at the Stake
Burning at the stake was a very common way to execute blasphemers (people who say/do things against the religion; in this case, Christianity), thieves, and witches. It was used throughout the Middle Ages and beyond.
People were usually burned in a small fire so they would suffer.

11. Quartering
If the tendons and ligaments still resisted the combined efforts of the four horses, the executioner assisted, and made several cuts with a hatchet on each joint.
often lasted several hours
When each horse had drawn out a limb, they were collected and placed near the trunk, which often still showed signs of life, and they were all burned together.

12. Write
Should our society have such devices for punishments today? Why/not?
How would America change if we did?

13. Bibliography
Anonymous. “Medieval Torture”. Middle Ages Encyclopedia. n.d. January 30,