The Excalibur is a mythical sword. It is associated with King Arthur and his compilation of medieval stories. The legendary Excalibur was believed to hold ultimate power to its rightful master, but plague anyone else who attempted to use it. The Arthurian Legend To introduce the famous Excalibur we must first recognize the series of …
At first glance, the so-called Spanish Donkey may not seem menacing. But take a closer look. It was shaped like a pommel horse in gymnastics, but with a pointed triangular edge facing upwards. This device’s shape ensured that its victims received a gruesomely agonizing experience. Used first in Medieval Europe, particularly during the Spanish Inquisition, …
Jeanne d’Arc – anglicized as Joan of Arc – is a famous French military leader born in 1412 and canonized by the Roman Catholic church in 1920. She is best known for rallying French troops and helping to turn the tide of the Hundred Years War. In doing so, she saved France from English rule. …
Rats can be a real nuisance. They get into our food, our trash, and even our homes. But when applied in the right (or rather, wrong) ways, they can turn into something far more sinister: a form of torture so cruel that the very mention of it can be enough to compel someone to spill …
Rat Torture: One Of History’s Most Barbaric Torture Methods? Read More »
Pope Boniface VIII went down in history as one of the most controversial popes of all time. His conflicts with the state, particularly the French King Philip IV, led to a posthumous trial against him for heresy. Here, we delve into the events that laid the groundwork for his trial, the accusations levied against him …
The Most Controversial Pope In History: Pope Boniface VIII Read More »
For centuries, England was notorious for its brutal and inhumane form of execution known as “hanging, drawing, and quartering”. This gruesome punishment was reserved for the most heinous crimes and involved a series of torturous steps to leave its victims mutilated and dismembered. Intending to be horrific, to be hanged, drawn, and quartered is considered …
A Brief History of Hanging, Drawing, and Quartering Read More »
The legendary figure of Merlin has been a part of the Western imagination for centuries. From tales of King Arthur to more modern interpretations, Merlin has been a source of mystery and enchantment. But who was the real Merlin, and where did the stories of this powerful wizard come from? The answer may surprise you. …
Everyone loves a chance to dance. Even mob dance parties that just pop up on the streets are seen as fun and entertaining. But what if you were struck with a disease that left you dancing unwillingly for days? That is what happened in 1518. Let’s dive into the dancing plague of 1518 and what …
History has it that no king was ruling over England after the death of King Uther Pendragon, the legendary king of the Briton and also the father of King Arthur. After Uther’s death, the nobles of Britain disputed the right of succession for their next king. Merlin, the mythical character, orchestrated and foretold the future …
Crime and punishment in the Middle Ages were often harsh and unforgiving. Unlike today’s criminal justice system, there was no legitimate police force and the local community was responsible for establishing law and order. The Christian church also had a large part in determining the punishments for those found guilty. But, they also gave the …
