Flaying

Flaying is the removal of skin from the body. Generally, an attempt is made to maintain the removed portion of skin intact.

Examples of flaying

• According to Herodotos, Sisamnes, a corrupted judge under Cambyses II of Persia, was flayed alive for accepting a bribe.
• In Greek mythology, Marsyas, a satyr, was flayed alive for daring to challenge Apollo.
• Tradition holds that Saint Bartholomew was flayed before being crucified
• The Talmud discusses how Rabbi Akiva was flayed by the Romans for the public teaching of Torah.
• In 260 Roman Emperor Valerian was taken prisoner by Persians. Some accounts hold that he was flayed and his skin turned into a footstool.
• Mani, founding prophet of Manichaeism, was flayed after being crucified or beheaded (c. 275). His skin was displayed publicly to terrify his followers- in vain.
• Pierre Basile was flayed alive and hanged 6 April 1199 for shooting and killing King Richard I of England with a crossbow.