Death Machines

How did antiquity's dreaded devices, the Wickerman and the Brazen Bull, function; and what was the technology driving the Coliseum's most notorious machines?

Why did medieval religious campaigns against heresy promote pitiless execution methods like the notorious rack, the grim thumb biter, and the hideous head crusher?

How was beheading mechanised during the French Revolution; why did people think garrotting was a merciful punishment; and what made the firing squad unreliable?

This series deconstructs the machines invented to cause destruction. Find out how they work and why the most devious devices are often the pinnacle of design.

Supposed witches and heretics had a hard time proving their innocence, especially when subjected to the disembowelment crank or the Aragon wheel of death.