8. Catherine wheel
We do not know how this execution method got its name and who is Catherine. But, this was probably one of the most popular execution methods in medieval times, sometimes also used to get confessions from prisoners. No wonder it’s on our list of most painful cruel horrific deaths and execution methods in history. A person was tied on a cart-wheel with arms and legs outstretched. The wheel moved very slowly, and an executor systematically broke the person’s legs and arms with an iron bar. Usually, the person’s legs and arms were stretched over the wheel. In some countries like France, they killed prisoners after two or three hits of the bat, while in England they waited for the person to confess or die. This name is related to a lot of things today, like a type of fireworks or even a rock band, but its original purpose is terrifying.
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