Middle Ages left us as an inheritance horrific stories of torture, that it is impossible to listen to without shuddering.While in Europe most famous was torture "Spanish boots".Despite the fact that the title contains the geographical indication, the instrument used and the executioners in Germany and in Britain, and France, and even in Russia.
essence instruments of torture
«Spanish boots" refers not just, it actually resembles shoes.It consisted of two wooden boards (or iron plates), between which are interrogated leg.It works on the principle of an instrument of vice.When actuated special arrangements as were wedges or screws boards (plates) began to gradually converge.So they crushed, broken, flattened leg bones.After reading this description, it's frightening to imagine in a bloody mess "Spanish boots" turns human foot.Such a horrible mockery could stand only one who had a low pain threshold.As a rule, they begin to crackle leg bones, the interviewee either fainted or confessed all sins (even if they were not in fact).
Where invented «Spanish boots"?
guessed that this instrument of torture was first produced in Spain, it is a snap.And it was invented in the times of the Inquisition.The Holy Fathers constantly invent something new and terrible in order to obtain such evidence from the interrogation in which they could not be guilty.History does not call us in the name of whose sophisticated mind came up with this torture.Over time, the "Spanish boots" are modified and improved, he made history in many countries as a brutal instrument of torture.
metal counterparts
from this material and were manufactured the very first instrument of torture, which we narrating.It happened in the 13th century, when all the powers of the Spanish Inquisition belonged unpunished.The principle of operation of the mechanism described above, an analog of the metal also caused terrible pain.Sometimes sophisticated minds went further and applied the red-hot plate that fits over the foot interrogated.Therefore, before the torture of people getting very severe burns.
wooden instrument of torture
Once the religious wars and court intrigues swept Britain and France, the rulers of these states were quick to learn from the Spaniards.However, in these countries was widespread wooden "boot", which later became a kind of classic in this case.The principle of operation is the same as above.
As it was in Russia?
Torture "Spanish boots" was very popular in times of Benkendorf.However, the Russian master distinguished and greatly simplified the process.They combined elements of wood and metal tools.We received the Iron Hoops, who started to work not from the action of special screws, but because of the wooden wedges are driven between the legs.The worst thing is that each subsequent wedge was thicker and larger than the previous.According to historical data, no one stood for more than eight of these sticks, as at this stage the leg was a sagging skin with fragments of bones vseredine, and people either die or lose consciousness.
modern mechanism
And the Nazis went further.For their bullying they have perfected the "Spanish boot", or rather, it extended the scope of its application.They put on such arrangements being questioned on his head, which made crack and break the bones of the skull.
Conclusion Now that you know what the "Spanish boots".Finally we call the names of those people who are well known to almost everyone because of their own merits.Once you know some of the torture they were killed.It was Giordano Bruno and Galileo Galilei (died, was lame), and Alexander of Cagliostro, and Prince Athanasius Vyazemsky and others.
