AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Romans enjoyed violent spectacles for entertainment, justifying it through the dehumanization of the victims.
- The decline of violent entertainment in the Roman Empire was influenced by Christianity, changing public preferences, and political priorities.
- The transition from ritualistic to spectator-centered executions led to a more voyeuristic enjoyment of the spectacle.
- Absolute rulers reformed the execution system to create horror and revulsion in the crowd for deterrence.
- The rise of broadsheets and increased interest in crime and punishment fueled the demand for sensationalized and spectacle-focused executions.
- Public executions varied in experience for the condemned, influenced by the execution method and the behavior of the crowd.
Deep dives
Roman fascination with violence and executions
The Romans had a deep fascination with violence and executions, particularly in the form of gladiatorial games and public executions. Watching these brutal events was seen as a source of entertainment and a way to inspire courage and instill Spartan virtues in the audience. The dehumanization of the victims, often slaves or criminals, justified the enjoyment of their suffering. The Romans defended these games, arguing that they served as a deterrent to others and allowed the crowd to exhibit power over life and death. Curiosity, sadism, and the need for novelty in entertainment also contributed to the popularity of these violent spectacles.
The involvement of the audience in executions
The Roman audience played an active role in executions, often determining the course of action and demanding specific types of torture and violence. Their ability to control the violence and witness these brutal acts heightened their sense of empowerment and further fueled their enjoyment. Some accounts describe the crowd expressing excitement and anticipation for the graphic suffering of the condemned. The dehumanization of the victims and the desire for spectacle and novelty contributed to the Roman audience's engagement in these violent events.
Factors leading to the decline of Roman violent entertainment
The decline of violent entertainment in the Roman Empire can be attributed to several factors. The growing influence of Christianity, with its emphasis on compassion and moral values, led to a change in societal attitudes towards violence and the treatment of others. Additionally, scheduling conflicts arose as Christian holidays conflicted with the timing of the gladiatorial games. The decline may also be attributed to a shift in political priorities, as emperors reduced their support for these events due to changing public preferences and the financial costs involved.
Transition from ritual to spectacle
During the transition from ritualistic to spectator-centered executions in the 16th to 18th centuries, the religious and ritualistic elements of public executions began to clash with the desires of the growing audience. The rise of broadsheets and increased fascination with true crime helped fuel the demand for salacious and sensational executions. The audience, known as penal voyeurs, started attending executions as a form of entertainment, viewing the suffering of the condemned from a distance. This shift from religious participation to detached observation contributed to a more voyeuristic enjoyment of the spectacle.
State power and rationality
As absolute rulers sought to consolidate power, they began to reform the execution system to align with their goals. State authorities aimed to create a sense of horror and revulsion in the crowd as a means of deterrence. The separation of the religious and ritualistic elements from the execution process became a priority. Enlightenment thinkers, such as Frederick the Great of Prussia, pushed for rationality and reform by eliminating excessive suffering and inflicting a rational degree of pain. Beheading also became more prevalent as a method of execution, seen as a quicker and relatively more humane form of punishment.
Role of public opinion and media
The rise of broadsheets and the increasing interest in crime and punishment played a role in shaping public perception of executions. Broad sheets, akin to tabloids, offered sensationalized accounts of executions, which further fueled public curiosity and interest. As these macabre publications became more popular, the demand for public executions as a form of entertainment grew. This was accompanied by a shift in focus from religious elements to the excitement and curiosity derived from witnessing these spectacles. The transformation of public opinion and the media's portrayal of executions played a significant role in driving the transition towards more spectator-oriented and salacious executions.
The Experience of Public Executions and the Role of the Crowd
Public executions in the past were highly spectated events, drawing large crowds that exhibited a range of reactions. The experience of the condemned varied depending on factors such as the method of execution and the behavior of the crowd. Some executions involved skilled executioners, while others were botched, leading to prolonged suffering. The presence of a large crowd added to the intensity and drama of the event, with the condemned sometimes being cheered or ridiculed by onlookers. The crowd's reaction could influence the overall experience, either adding to the horror or providing support and empathy for the condemned.
The Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Executions
Various factors affected the perceived effectiveness of executions as a deterrent. During the eras of religious significance and strong state authority, executions were expected to have a religious and moral impact on both the condemned and the audience. The belief in divine consequences and the fear of damnation added to the effectiveness. However, as religious significance diminished and state authority shifted towards more secular ideologies, there were concerns about the actual deterrence achieved by executions. Public opinion, changing sensibilities, and growing empathy towards the condemned contributed to debates about the true effectiveness of these spectacles.
The Brutality and Variability of Execution Methods
Execution methods were often brutal and varied across regions and time periods. Hanging, beheading, burning, and strangulation were commonly used. The experience of the condemned person could range from a quick death to prolonged agony depending on factors like the skill of the executioner, the condition of the equipment, and the intended message to the crowd. Variables such as the position of the noose or rope, the quality of the scaffold, and the behavior of the executioner could greatly impact the suffering endured. Accounts reveal both successful and botched execution attempts, highlighting the variability and brutality of these methods.
The Brutality of Public Executions
Public executions were brutal and often involved the burning of individuals at the stake. The accounts of Catherine Hayes' execution in London in 1726 illustrate the extreme cruelty of the practice. Executioners, though seen as extraordinary beings, had to grapple with the psychological toll of their job and the dishonorable nature of their profession. The executioner class often intermarried, creating dynasties of executioners. The decline of executions was influenced by changing sensibilities among the audience, especially regarding women's attendance and reactions. The guillotine was introduced as a more humane method of execution.
The Role of the Executioner
The executioner's job was not only brutal but also psychologically challenging. They had to navigate the demands of carrying out their duties efficiently and work in coordination with the condemned to ensure a successful execution. The executioner's touch was seen as dishonorable, capable of spreading a tainted status to others. They had a despised and isolated status, living outside of respectable society and only able to marry within their own caste. While they were reviled, executioners were also sought out for their knowledge of anatomy and healing abilities. As executions became less common, the demand for executioners declined, and the guillotine reduced their role and infamy.
Changing Sensibilities and Public Executions
The podcast episode explores the changing sensibilities towards public executions. It discusses how the mood and attitudes towards spectacles of violence shifted over time. While public executions were once seen as a form of entertainment, with spectators showing admiration for the serenity of the criminals, the authorities and cultural critics eventually started criticizing these events. The podcast suggests that the decline of public executions was influenced by a combination of factors, including the realization that they did not effectively deter crime, changing societal values, and concerns about mob behavior. The authorities feared the unpredictable emotions aroused by these spectacles and gradually took steps to discourage and eventually eliminate public executions.
Cruelty, Violence, and Human Sensibilities
The podcast delves into the complex relationship between human sensibilities and cruelty. It discusses the enduring fascination with violence and the potential impact of exposure to simulated or real violence. The host questions whether humanity needs a certain level of cruelty, similar to the way fire provides necessary heat. It explores the concept of desensitization to violence and how it could influence societal reactions and behavior. The podcast also raises thought-provoking questions about the potential for a reversal in sensibilities and the role of culture, media, and technological advancements in shaping attitudes towards cruelty and violence.
5.
The People of Paris Loved Executions, and That's Not Always What They Got Out of It
2min
Pain is at the root of most drama and entertainment. When does it get too real? This very disturbing and graphic show looks into some case studies and asks some deep questions. WARNING Very intense subject matter.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode