Medieval Torture Devices: Thumbscrew - History & Pictures
Torture Devices

The Thumbscrew

The Thumbscrew was a simple but effective device used to crush the victim’s fingers or thumbs, often resulting in pain and permanent damage.

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Medieval Torture Devices: The Breaking Wheel - History & Pictures
Torture Devices

The Breaking Wheel

The Breaking wheel or Catherine wheel involved tying a victim to a large wheel and then breaking their limbs with a hammer or iron bar.

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Medieval Torture Devices: The Judas Cradle. Image courtesy of Kate Skegg (CC).
Torture Devices

The Judas Cradle

The medieval Judas Cradle consisted of a pyramid-shaped seat with a sharpened tip. The victim was lowered onto the pyramid.

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Medieval Torture Devices: The Rack - History & Pictures
Torture Devices

The Rack

The rack was a medieval device consisting of a wooden frame with rollers at both ends, onto which the victim’s limbs were tied and stretched.

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Medieval Torture Devices: The Pear of Anguish - History & Pictures
Torture Devices

The Pear of Anguish

The Pear of Anguish was a torture and interrogation device used in medieval Europe. The device could be inserted and then expanded.

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Medieval Torture Devices: The Brazen Bull - History & Pictures
Torture Devices

The Brazen Bull

Although the brazen bull was originally Greek, it’s also associated with medieval times due to its notorious reputation.

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Medieval Torture Devices: The Iron Maiden - History & Pictures
Torture Devices

The Iron Maiden

The The Iron Maiden is typically depicted as a large, upright, coffin-shaped structure with spikes on the inside. But did it actually exist?

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