Question 1

The Iron Maiden

Accepted Answer

Real - Although believed to have originated during the Middle Ages, the first known iron maidens were constructed in the 19th century.

Question 2

Pillory

Accepted Answer

Real - The pillory was designed as a form of public shaming without causing significant peril to the body. It was formally abolished in England and Wales in 1837. However, the stocks remained in use, though extremely infrequently, until 1872.

Question 3

Chinese Water Torture

Accepted Answer

Real - This form of torture was first described by Hippolytus De Marsiliis in Italy in the 15th or 16th century.

Question 4

Brazen Bull

Accepted Answer

Fake - Scholars believe that the Brazen Bull, which Italian poet and philosopher Dante referenced in the Inferno, is likely a myth or at least highly embellished.

Question 5

The Rack

Accepted Answer

Real - One famous victim was the English writer and Protestant preacher Anne Askew. In 1546, yeoman warders tortured her on the rack and asked her to name Protestant sympathizers.

Question 6

The Breaking Wheel

Accepted Answer

Real - Also known as the Wheel of Catherine, Catherine Wheel, or simply the Wheel. It was a torture method used for public execution primarily in Europe from antiquity through the Middle Ages into the early modern period.

Question 7

The Scavenger's Daughter

Accepted Answer

Real - Yeoman warders at the Tower of London used this as a torture device during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Question 8

Thumbscrew

Accepted Answer

Real - his device comes from Europe’s early modern period (c. 1450 to 1750).

Question 9

Iron Apega

Accepted Answer

Fake - Scholars have suggested that the story of the Iron Apega was an allegorical one and did not really exist.

Question 10

Heretic's Fork

Accepted Answer

Real - This invention of the Inquisition was made to torture witches and heretics.

Ancient Torture Devices: Real or Fake?

2) Pillory

3) Chinese Water Torture

4) Brazen Bull

5) The Rack

6) The Breaking Wheel

7) The Scavenger's Daughter

8) Thumbscrew

9) Iron Apega

10) Heretic's Fork