39 Medieval Masks and Devices from the Golden Age of Torture

Torture is bad! This is a pretty controversial statement according to some, but we stand by it. Even today, it’s still going on, with things like hog-tying and waterboarding. But if you look back in history, these methods are the work of thin-skinned, squeamish amateurs.

Back in medieval times, they had torture down to an art. So much so, that the devices they used on witches, blasphemers, and criminals honestly look super cool. Terrifying, but undeniably interesting works of art. They had masks designed to pour molten metal into them, cause suffocation, and even drive spikes into the eyes.

So take a through the torture hall of fame and marvel at all the ways you can get back at your mortal enemies.