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The Middle Ages lasted roughly 1,00 years, from the 5th century to the 15th­, and stands out as one­ of ­the most violent eras in history. What really sets this time apart is the ghoulish inventiveness that gave rise to a plethora of torture methods. There were many grounds for torture during the Middle Ages -- religious fervor and criminal punishment come to mind -- and many sick minded people took the time to invent many different devices designed to maim.

In this article, HowStuffWorks.com explores a collection of the most heinous torture devices ever invented. They begin with:

• The Brazen Bull: This was a hollow brass statue crafted to resemble a real bull. Victims we­re placed inside, and the door was shut, sealing them in. Fires would then be lit around the bull. As the victim succumbed to the searing heat inside, he would thrash about and scream in agony. The movements and sounds, muted by the bull's mass, made the apparatus appear alive.
• The Rack: The rack was used throughout Eu­rope for centuries. It came in many forms, but here's the basic idea: The victim is tied down while some mechanical device, usually a crank or turning wheel, tightens the ropes, stretching the victim's body until the joints are dislocated.
• The Iron Maiden: The Iron Maiden is a device so fiendish it was once thought to be fictional. It's an upright sarcophagus with spikes on the inner surfac­es. Double doors open on the front, allowing entrance for the victim. Once the victim was inside, the doors were closed. There, the strategically placed spikes would pierce several vital organs.

Full list at HowStuffWorks.com.

Total aggregation of HowStuffWorks.com.

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