Dark History Podcast Summary: Episode 148 - "Top 3 Ancient Torture Techniques: Forgotten Punishments of the Past"
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Host: Bailey Sarian
Producer: Audioboom Studios
Introduction
In Episode 148 of Dark History, Bailey Sarian delves deeper into the grim world of ancient torture techniques, expanding upon the brief overview provided in a previous installment. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and haunted by the sheer brutality of these historical punishments, Bailey presents a comprehensive exploration of three particularly heinous methods: Ling Chi, the Brazen Bull, and Scaphism. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, she brings to light the darkest aspects of human history that are seldom discussed in conventional education.
1. Ling Chi: The Thousand Cuts
Historical Context & Overview
Ling Chi, an ancient Chinese method of execution, emerged around 220 BC and remained prevalent until the mid-1300s AD. Reserved exclusively for the most egregious offenders—such as traitors, high-profile murderers, and adversaries of the royal family—Ling Chi was designed not merely to kill but to prolong agony, ensuring the victim experienced immense suffering before death.
Case Study: Emperor Jia Jing
Bailey recounts the tragic story of Emperor Jia Jing, a 14-year-old ruler who ascended to the throne under tumultuous circumstances. Faced with skepticism regarding his capability to govern, Jia Jing resorted to extreme measures to assert his authority. As Bailey narrates:
"The Emperor decided to send a message to anyone who was doubting him. 'If you doubt me, you will be exiled or you will be killed. If you have anything to say, you better say it right now, bitch.'” [12:45]
Under immense pressure, Jia Jing not only executed hundreds of palace officials but also amassed a harem of underage concubines. These young girls were subjected to Ling Chi, where their flesh was methodically removed to maximize pain—a horrific spectacle that terrorized the populace.
Attempted Rebellion and Consequences
In 1542, the concubines, driven by desperation, conspired to overthrow the tyrannical emperor. Their initial success was short-lived, leading to their capture and brutal punishment through Ling Chi. The public spectacle of their torture served both as retribution and a cautionary display of the emperor's merciless power.
"Victims that were tied to those wooden posts were terrified to die because they really didn't know what would be waiting for them on the other side." [30:20]
The Emperor's reign eventually met a violent end when palace conflicts led to his demise via a fire, ensuring that his legacy was marred by cruelty and suffering.
2. The Brazen Bull: A Symphony of Suffering
Origin and Invention
Moving from China to ancient Greece, Bailey introduces the Brazen Bull—a notorious torture device attributed to Phalaris, the tyrant of the Greek colony of Cremona. Designed by the royal sculptor Perilous, the Brazen Bull was as much a tool of execution as it was a macabre piece of art.
"It's dark, and it seems straight out of a movie. Well, not even. I don't even think a movie could come up with this." [40:10]
Design and Functionality
The Brazen Bull was a life-sized statue hollowed out to serve as a confinement chamber. Victims were placed inside, and a fire was lit beneath the bull, gradually heating the metal until the occupant perished from intense heat. Ingeniously cruel, the device transformed the victim's screams into sounds resembling the bull's roar through intricate internal tubes.
Phalaris and Perilous: A Tale of Tyranny
Phalaris's fascination with torment led him to not only utilize the Brazen Bull but also to subject Perilous to his own creation as a demonstration of loyalty and fear:
"According to legend, Phalaris... listens to the bull roar as Perilous slowly burns to death." [55:35]
The device became emblematic of Phalaris's reign of terror until his eventual overthrow. The Brazen Bull was later destroyed by the populace, symbolizing the end of his brutal legacy.
3. Scaphism: The Boats of Agony
Historical Context & Overview
Originating in ancient Persia around 4007 B.C., Scaphism was one of the most insidiously torturous methods devised. Unlike physical mutilation, Scaphism targeted the victim's senses and bodily functions, ensuring prolonged suffering through environmental exposure and infestations.
The Story of Cyrus and Arta
Bailey narrates the fraternal conflict between Cyrus and Arta, two Persian brothers vying for power. After Cyrus was unjustly executed by a soldier named Mithridates, Arta sought to assert his authority and eliminate any threat to his rule.
"The king strikes up a deal with this guy... He wants people to think he killed his own brother, not you." [1:10:50]
Mechanics of Scaphism
Mithridates was sentenced to Scaphism, where he was enclosed within a wooden boat, his limbs protruding. The executioners doused him with milk and honey, attracting a swarm of insects. Over days, the combination of exposure, insect infestations, and forced consumption leading to incontinence ensured a slow and excruciating death. Bailey describes the ordeal vividly:
"Bugs would cover the body so fast that you couldn't even see this guy's face anymore... worms start crawling all inside you and they start eating you until you die." [1:15:20]
Mithridates's demise, lasting approximately 17 days, underscored the Persian Empire's penchant for psychological and sensory torture.
Conclusion
Bailey Sarian's exploration of Ling Chi, the Brazen Bull, and Scaphism in Episode 148 of Dark History offers listeners a harrowing glimpse into the depths of human cruelty throughout ancient civilizations. By intertwining historical facts with compelling narratives, she ensures that these forgotten punishments serve as stark reminders of the past's darkest chapters.
The episode not only educates but also prompts reflection on the evolution of justice and the inherent value of human dignity. As Bailey aptly puts it:
"These people were fucked up. These people were gross. I thought we were gross. Gross nowadays, you know?" [1:35:40]
Stay tuned for future episodes where Bailey continues to unearth the macabre and the mysterious facets of history that schools often overlook.
Notable Quotes:
- "Ling chi was all about torturing someone by hacking off chunks of flesh all around the body." — Bailey Sarian [09:30]
- "The bull basically takes away their humanity as they die. Perfect. I love that." — Bailey Sarian [47:15]
- "If you were going to be tortured to death, which one would you choose?" — Bailey Sarian [1:20:05]
Upcoming Episodes:
- Episode 149: "The Deadliest Cook in American History" – Exploring the sinister story of Mary Mallon, infamously known as Typhoid Mary.
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