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13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

Use of torture still makes headline news today: waterboarding, white noise, beatings and other techniques are, sadly, still reported, particularly in war stricken countries. That said, little compares to the horrific methods routinely meted out by our blood-thirsty and draconian ancestors. Don't believe us? Then read on to learn more about our shocking past...

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Here are 13 torture devices that show just how barbaric life was centuries' ago.

1. The Iron Chair

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

This chair was used to force confessions out of its victims. But don't think that this is the same as someone walking over or sitting down on a bed of nails! Victims were strapped onto the chair and the straps would be gradually tightened. If the victim didn't confess, then the iron chair's fire fixture would be lit in order to soften and roast their flesh - and allow the spikes to more easily penetrate their skin.

2. The Spanish Donkey

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

Here, the victim was made to sit in a triangular block, whilst weights were attached to their ankles. If they managed to survive this unbelievably painful torture, they often came away severely disabled and unable to walk due to damage caused by the weights ripping their joints apart.

3. The Water Cure

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

Far from being a cure, this method ensured a long, painful death. Victims were forced to lie down and drink gallons of water in one go. Drinking huge amounts of water can cause internal hemorrhaging, severely damage blood cells and even lead to kidney failure.

4. The Judas Cradle

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

A favorite during the Spanish Inquisition, victims were suspended by a harness on top of a metal pyramid. As the victim was lowered onto the pyramid, it would stretch their orifice until it was ripped apart. Torturers would deliberately leave victims to suffer overnight if they didn't at first confess.

5. Crocodile Shears

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

Crocodile shears were reserved for men. These spiked-tooth iron shears were heated and applied to the penis, which would then either be skinned or torn off...

6. Being quartered

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

Similar to the rack, this involved attaching the victim to a wooden machine that would slowly tear off each limb. Earlier varieties of this horrific death sentence involved attaching the arms and legs to four horses, which were then whipped so they'd run off in different directions, quartering the vicitm in the process.

7. The Crocodile Tube

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

The victim's head and an arm or leg were placed in the tube that was then heated up by the executioner. Victims would slowly burn and the spikes would penetrate their flesh. Death was inevitable.

8. The Breast Ripper

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

These pliers were heated and then attached to a woman's breast in order to rip it off...

9. The Head Crusher

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

Types of head crushers are still used in certain nations today and a WW2 variety was used when the Nazis interrogated spies and members of the Resistance. The victim's head was placed in the cap and the torturer would slowly crank the spikes into their head, often until their skull and jaw were crushed together.

10. The Catherine Wheel

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

Ever wondered why Catherine Wheels often feature in firework displays? Well, they're derived from a method of torture where the victim was attached to a wheel that was then set on fire and left to roll down a hill. If the victim survived this ordeal, they were left attached to the wheel so that insects and birds could gnaw away at their flesh.

11. The Rack

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

The rack is a torture method that sums up mankind's depravity... Victims were attached by their arms and legs to a wooden frame fitted with rollers. The rollers were turned in opposite directions causing their limbs to break off and fracturing their spine. Numerous racks have found their way into museums - just looking at them is enough to send shivers down your spine.

12. The Spanish Tickler

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

Suffice to say there's nothing ticklish about this instrument. Victims would be tied up and then 'stroked' with this claw-like device. Apart from gradually skinning them alive, victims who survived often died a slow death due to infections caught from these dirty devices.

13. The Knee Splitter

Illustration de l'article : 13 of the most brutal torture techniques in the history of mankind

The victim's knee was placed between the spikes and the handle turned so that they pierced the skin, broke the knee and then, if a confession wasn't forthcoming, eventually tear their leg apart, leading to an excrutiatingly painful death.