| The Judas Chair, also known as the Judas Cradle, was a torture device allegedly used by the Spanish Inquisition (1478-1834). In Italian it was called the "culla di Giuda", in German the "Judaswiege", and the French called it la veille - "the wake" or "nightwatch" (as with the muscles contracted the victim could not fall asleep). The Judas Chair was a pyramid-shaped seat used for torture. The victim was placed on top of it, with the point inserted into their anus or vagina, then very slowly lowered by ropes. Some theories suggest that the intended effect was to stretch the orifice over a long period of time, or to slowly impale. The victim was usually naked, adding to the humiliation already endured.Accused heretics were placed on top of it, with the point inserted into their anuses or genitalia, then very, very slowly lowered onto the point with ropes. The effect was to gradually stretch out the opening of choice in an extremely painful manner. The invention and use of Judas Cradle is attributed to the Spanish Inquisition, but there is very little evidence supporting this claim. Some sources claim that it is unlikely for the Spanish Inquisition to target the anus or the vagina with any torture, as it can be considered deviant sexual behavior. Other experts maintain that targeting genitals and female breasts in torture or in various forms of punishment was not considered a sexual act, and therefore acceptable by the Church. Sources: whgbetc.com, wikipedia |
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