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Medieval torture: everything you wanted to know

History Extra podcast

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History Haunts: The Dark Inventions of Torture

Historical torture methods reveal a blend of myth and reality, with many popular beliefs lacking evidence. The Iron Maiden, often linked to the Middle Ages, emerged as a 19th-century invention associated with Gothic horror, despite its notorious reputation. The Brazen Bull, an ancient Greek device attributed to the tyrant Phalaris and inventor Peruleus, highlights the grotesque creativity in torture, as the victim's screams would resonate within the bull, amplifying their terror. This illustrates a chilling detail of psychological aspects in torture, raising questions about the psychological impact alongside physical pain.

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