Death by sawing

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Death by sawing is a method of execution that involves the condemned person being sawed in half, either longitudinally (lengthwise) or transversely (crosswise). This form of capital punishment has been used in various cultures and historical periods, often as a means of instilling fear and demonstrating the power of the ruling authority.

Historical Context

Death by sawing has been recorded in several ancient civilizations, including Ancient Rome, Ancient Persia, and Ancient China. It was often employed as a punishment for severe crimes such as treason, murder, or blasphemy. The method of execution varied, with some cultures preferring to saw the victim from the head downwards, while others sawed from the feet upwards.

Ancient Rome

In Ancient Rome, sawing was sometimes used as a method of execution for slaves and criminals. The Roman historian Suetonius mentions that the Emperor Caligula used this method to execute his enemies.

Ancient Persia

In Ancient Persia, sawing was used as a form of execution for those who committed serious offenses against the state. The condemned were often sawed in half vertically, starting from the head.

Ancient China

In Ancient China, sawing was one of the many brutal methods of execution used during the Qin Dynasty. It was typically reserved for those who committed heinous crimes against the emperor or the state.

Method of Execution

The process of death by sawing involved securing the condemned person in a position that allowed the executioners to saw through their body. This could be done with the person lying down or suspended upside down. The saw used was typically a large, two-handed saw operated by two executioners. The execution could be carried out quickly or slowly, depending on the desired level of suffering and the message intended to be sent to the public.

Cultural Significance

Death by sawing was not only a method of execution but also a tool of psychological warfare. It served to deter others from committing similar crimes and to reinforce the power and authority of the ruling class. The gruesome nature of the execution ensured that it would be remembered and feared.

Related Pages

• Capital punishment
• Ancient Rome
• Ancient Persia
• Ancient China
• Qin Dynasty
• Execution methods

See Also

• Crucifixion
• Impalement
• Drawing and quartering
• Burning at the stake