Known also as the Catherine wheel, this device involved tying the victim to a large wheel and breaking their bones with a heavy iron bar. In some versions, the limbs were woven through the spokes of the wheel before being shattered. The victim was then left on the wheel—sometimes alive—to die slowly from their injuries.

As with many medieval punishments, the breaking wheel was often carried out in public to serve as a warning to others.

 Scold’s Bridle – Misogyny in Metal

The Scold’s Bridle, or brank, was a metal cage worn over the head, used primarily to punish and silence outspoken women—those accused of gossiping, nagging, or criticizing male authority. Some versions included a tongue press that would cut or injure the mouth if the woman tried to speak.

Public humiliation was part of the punishment. The wearer might be paraded through the streets, enduring mockery and shame. This form of torture reveals the deeply entrenched misogyny of medieval society.

  Water Torture – Drowning Without Death

The medieval period saw various forms of water torture, including waterboarding—a method in which the victim was immobilized and had water poured over their face to simulate drowning. Other versions included water drops falling continuously on the forehead, driving the victim to madness.

Another cruel method was forced consumption of massive quantities of water, causing internal organs to rupture. These techniques were often used in interrogations, especially during inquisitions.

 The Brazen Bull – A Fiery End

Though possibly of ancient Greek origin, the Brazen Bull saw symbolic revival in medieval stories of torture. This hollow metal bull was designed so that victims were placed inside and a fire lit beneath them. As they roasted to death, their screams would be transformed into "music" by a system of tubes and valves—making the bull appear to bellow in rage.

While there's little evidence of widespread medieval use, the concept became part of the lore of medieval cruelty.

Why Was Torture So Widespread?

Torture in the Middle Ages was rooted in the need for control—by the state, the Church, and feudal authorities. In an era where forensics and scientific evidence were nonexistent, confession—coerced or otherwise—was often the primary method of conviction. Religious zeal, belief in divine justice, and fear of social disorder fueled a culture in which pain was equated with truth and public executions were theatrical displays of power.

Legacy and Reflection

While many of these methods have long since disappeared from legal systems, the medieval fascination with bodily punishment has left a mark on history. Today, museums, castles, and historical sites across Europe display replicas of these devices—grim reminders of humanity’s capacity for cruelty in the name of order, faith, or justice.

Studying these torture methods is not merely an exercise in morbid curiosity. It compels us to reflect on the nature of justice, the abuse of power, and the importance of human rights—principles that were largely absent in the world of the Middle Ages. shutdown123