Medieval torturers were skilled in the art of inflicting pain, and their reputation for brutality led to the creation of devices that have become more myth than fact over the centuries. From the rack to the rat, these gruesome methods of torture were designed to extract confessions, punish the guilty, and instill fear. But if you found yourself on the wrong side of the law during medieval times, what would be the worst punishment you could face? Would it be imprisonment, fines, or public humiliation in the stocks?
Or would it be something far worse? The medieval period witnessed some of the most horrific punishments, many of which led to brutal and fatal consequences.
Torture was used not only to punish but also to extract confessions, regardless of their truth, and to strike terror into the hearts of the public. These devices caused unimaginable suffering, and their legacy still haunts us today. However, despite their notoriety, some of the most famous torture devices weren’t even used in the medieval period. Dr. Hannah Skoda explains, “Torture was much less common than we often believe,” adding that there was a strong sense that torture should be avoided when possible. In fact, some of the devices we associate with medieval torture may not have been used until later centuries.
Nevertheless, when torture was employed, the methods were excruciating. Here are 10 of the most infamous torture devices from medieval history:
The Rack
Perhaps the most notorious of all, the rack was introduced to England in the 15th century by the Duke of Exeter. Victims were strapped to a wooden frame with their wrists and ankles bound to ropes, which were attached to a mechanical crank. As the crank was turned, the body was stretched, dislocating joints and causing extreme agony until the victim confessed or died from the strain.
The Judas Cradle
This device, often associated with the Spanish Inquisition, consisted of a pyramid-shaped seat. Victims were lowered onto the point of the pyramid, which would slowly tear through the body, causing immense pain. Just the threat of this device was enough to force confessions.
The Pear of Anguish
This twisted device was shaped like a pear and inserted into a victim’s mouth or other orifices. As a screw was turned, the pear expanded, causing unbearable pain and internal damage. While it wasn’t usually fatal, it could cause enough suffering to elicit confessions.
The Brazen Bull
Though it originates in ancient Greece, the brazen bull became notorious through its association with medieval torture. Victims were locked inside a hollow brass bull, and a fire was lit beneath it, roasting them alive. The design included pipes that amplified the victim’s screams, making it sound as though the bull itself was bellowing.
Rat Torture
A simpler, yet equally brutal method, rat torture involved trapping a rat in a container placed on a victim’s stomach. The rat, hungry and panicked, would chew its way through the victim’s body, leading to a slow and agonizing death.
The Tongue Tearer
This device, resembling a pair of shears, was used to rip out the tongue of the victim. It was often used on those accused of blasphemy or heresy, silencing them in the most painful way imaginable.
The Wheel (Breaking Wheel)
Used from antiquity until the 19th century, the breaking wheel was a large cart wheel to which victims were bound. Their limbs could be broken, and they could be left to die on the wheel or exposed to the elements as a public spectacle.
The Thumbscrew
Originally used by the Russian army, the thumbscrew was a simple yet painful device. Victims’ thumbs or fingers were placed between two metal bars and slowly crushed by tightening a screw. It was effective for extracting confessions, though not typically fatal.
The Iron Maiden
Though its use in medieval times is debated, the Iron Maiden remains one of the most iconic torture devices. Victims were enclosed in a spiked metal coffin, which pierced their body but did not immediately kill them. Instead, the spikes would cause prolonged suffering, leading to death over several hours.
The Heretic’s Fork
Used during the Spanish Inquisition, the heretic’s fork was a double-pronged device placed around a victim’s neck. One prong rested under the chin, and the other against the breastbone. Any movement caused the prongs to dig deeper into the flesh, preventing sleep or speech, and tormenting the victim to the point of madness.
These devices were not only tools of punishment but also instruments designed to instill terror, ensuring that fear itself became a constant companion for those living under medieval rule.
