INSTRUMENTS OF TORTURE

CHAPTER 9 - THE HANGING CAGE

After enduring preliminary torture like the rack, convicted criminals were often locked in hanging cages. Hung throughout Europe's cities and towns, these cages were a part of the European landscape until the 18th century.

Victims of this instrument of torture died from hunger, thirst or the elements. If they were hanging in summer, victims could die of heat stroke. If they were hanging in winter, they could die of severe cold. Victims were usually left inside the cage until their bones began to fall apart.

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