Execution by burning

Execution by burning is capital punishment by fire. It has a long history as a method of punishment for crimes such as treason and for other unpopular acts such as heresy and the practice of witchcraft. For a number of reasons, this method of execution fell into disfavor among governments. The particular form of execution by burning in which the condemned is bound to a large stake is more commonly called burning at the stake.

Historical usage

Burning was used as a means of execution in many ancient societies. According to ancient reports, Roman authorities executed many of the early Christian martyrs by burning. These reports claim that in some cases they failed to be burnt, and had to be beheaded instead. However, all such ancient manuscripts were copied by Christian monks, and even Catholic sources state that many of these claims were invented. Under the Byzantine Empire, burning was introduced as a punishment for recalcitrant Zoroastrians, due to the belief that they worshipped fire.

Related Topics:
Roman - Christian - Martyr - Beheaded - Monk - Catholic - Byzantine Empire - Zoroastrian

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In 1184, the Synod of Verona legislated that burning was to be the official punishment for heresy. This decree was later reaffirmed by the Fourth Council of the Lateran in 1215, the Synod of Toulouse in 1229, and numerous spiritual and secular leaders up through the 17th century.

Related Topics:
1184 - Synod of Verona - Heresy - Fourth Council of the Lateran - 1215 - Synod of Toulouse - 1229 - 17th century

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Among the best known convicts to be executed by burning were Jacques de Molay (1314), Jan Hus (1415), St Joan of Arc (May 30 1431), Giordano Bruno (1600), and Avvakum (1682).

Related Topics:
Jacques de Molay - 1314 - Jan Hus - 1415 - St Joan of Arc - May 30 - 1431 - Giordano Bruno - 1600 - Avvakum - 1682

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In the United Kingdom the traditional punishment for women found guilty of treason was to be burnt at the stake, while men were hanged, drawn and quartered. There were two types of treason, high treason for crimes against the Sovereign and petty treason for the murder of one's lawful superior, including that of a husband by his wife. In 1790 Sir Benjamin Hammett introduced a bill into parliament to end what was now widely considered a barbaric practice. He explained that the year before as Sheriff of London he had been responsible for the burning of Catherine Murphy, found guilty of counterfeiting, but that he had allowed her to be hanged first. He pointed out that as the law stood, he himself could have been found guilty of a crime in not carrying out the lawful punishment and, as no woman had been burnt alive in the UK for over fifty years, so could all those still alive who had held an official position at all of the previous burnings. The act was passed by parliament and given royal assent by George III (30 George III. C. 48).{{ref|clark32}}

Related Topics:
Hanged, drawn and quartered - High treason - Petty treason - 1790 - Benjamin Hammett - Parliament - Sheriff - London - Catherine Murphy - Counterfeiting - Royal assent - George III

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The use of fire in capital punishment is prohibited under Islamic Law.

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