Punishments In the Middle Ages

Ordeal by Fire

The accused had to pick up a red hot iron bar and hold it while they walked three or four paces. Their hand was then bandaged. After three days they had to return to the court where the bandages were removed. If the wound was beginning to heal they were innocent but if the wound showed no sign of healing then they were pronounced Guilty.

Ordeal By water

The accused had their hands and feet tied together. They were then thrown into water. If they floated they were guilty but if they sank they were innocent.

Ordeal By Combat

Noblemen would fight (usually to the death) in combat with their accuser. The winner of the battle would be considered to be in the right.

Traditional Torture

They cut off one of your body parts

Death Penalty

They were hung or beheaded

Flogging

They were put in the stocks for cheating or getting really drunk

Credits:

Created with images by Bernt Rostad - "Gravensteen" • Stones - "fire flame wood fire" • technicolor76 - "water drops" • WikimediaImages - "murder rutland lord" • Hans - "hand injury skin abrasion" • markusspiske - "axe wood hack" • JamesDeMers - "pillory device punishment"

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