Scaphism was an ancient form of torture that involved having every orifice covered in honey and then exposed to large swarms of insects and this was all after being force fed even more honey and milk

Scaphism: The Horrifying Ancient Torture Method

Scaphism, also known as “The Boats,” was an ancient form of torture that will send shivers down your spine. It was a method of execution designed to be the most agonizing and slowest possible way to die. This horrific practice involved covering the victim’s every orifice in honey and then exposing them to swarms of insects. But the torment didn’t end there. The poor soul had to endure being force-fed even more honey and milk. Let’s delve deeper into this macabre technique and its history.

The Origin of Scaphism

The origins of scaphism can be traced back to ancient Persia, specifically during the Achaemenid Empire’s reign, around the 5th century BC. The ancient Greek historian, Plutarch, provided the most comprehensive account of this cruel form of execution. According to his writings, scaphism was used mostly for punishing high-profile individuals, including military leaders and traitors.

The Gruesome Process

Once condemned to scaphism, the victim would first be tied or bolted between two hollowed-out wooden boats—hence the name. These boats would leave the victim’s head, hands, and feet exposed while the rest of their body remained confined within the boats. The purpose of this construction was to prevent the insects from escaping and to amplify the victim’s suffering.

Next came the application of honey and milk. The executioners would forcefully pour significant quantities of honey and milk mixed together onto the victim’s face, genitals, mouth, and other body openings. This sticky concoction served as a potent attractant for insects, inviting them to feast on the helpless victim.

The convicted person would then be left out in the open, sometimes near stagnant water or under the hot sun, to encourage the infestation of insects. The insects, commonly flies, mosquitoes, and wasps, would be naturally drawn to the honeyed areas. As time passed, the insects would proliferate and progressively devour the victim, causing excruciating pain and torment.

The Unimaginable Suffering

Imagine the horror—an individual completely immobilized, with every orifice coated in honey and left to the mercy of swarms of insects. The insects would burrow into the victim’s body, feeding on their flesh, causing unimaginable pain, and ultimately leading to infection and death.

The intense agony inflicted by scaphism was prolonged over days, if not weeks. The victim would suffer from severe dehydration, starvation, delirium, and physical mutilation as the insects relentlessly devoured their flesh. Death, finally, would come as a result of a combination of infections, septic shock, and organ failure.

The Historical Significance

Scaphism was not only a horrifying method of execution but also a means of psychological torment. Its purpose was to serve as a deterrent, instilling fear and discouraging others from committing similar offenses. The graphic nature of scaphism was meant to discourage individuals from engaging in treason, rebellion, or other acts deemed detrimental to the state.

Conclusion

Scaphism stands as a haunting reminder of the extreme cruelty that humans are capable of inflicting upon one another. Its ghastly process, where victims were slowly eaten alive by insects, demonstrates the darkest depths of human ingenuity in devising torturous methods. Although scaphism is now confined to history, its existence serves as a grim testament to the lengths some civilizations have gone to exact their form of justice.

This article was based on information from Wikipedia.