Rack (torture)

The rack is a torture device. It consists of a rectangular, usually wooden frame, with a roller at one, or both, ends. The victim's feet are manacled to one roller, and the wrists are chained to the other. As the interrogation progresses, a handle and ratchet attached to the top roller is used to very gradually stepwise increase the tension on the chains, which induces excruciating pain as the victim's joints slowly dislocate. It was used throughout Europe, being the chief instrument of torture in every dungeon.

Related Topics:
Torture - Wood - Ratchet - Pain - Joint

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One gruesome aspect of being stretched on the rack are the loud popping noises made by snapping cartilage, ligaments or bones. Eventually, if the application of the rack is continued, the victim's limbs are ripped right off. One powerful method for putting pressure upon a prisoner was to merely force him to view someone else being subjected to the rack.

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Well known victims of the rack include Guy Fawkes, Edmund Campion and Anne Askew in England, and Queen Brunhilda in France.

Related Topics:
Guy Fawkes - Edmund Campion - Anne Askew - England - Brunhilda - France

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In Classical mythology, the bandit king Procrustes was famed for his use of the rack.

Related Topics:
Mythology - Procrustes

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