The Brazen bull

From 5th Century to 15th, we call it the Middle Ages. These 100 years are also remembered as the most violent eras in human history. Human minds in periods were awarded for it's ghoulish inventiveness that gave rise to a plethora of torture methods.



The Brazen Bull was among one such torture methods that was used during this time for criminal punishment. Many sick mind people have given their lives to invent such cruel torturing devices.

Do you dare to read ahead how victims were tortured using Brazen Bull, ok then go ahead.

The metal bull : Brazen Bull was a hollow brass statue crafted to resemble a real bull. Victims we­re placed inside, usually with their tongues cut out first. The door was shut, sealing them in.

The agony : Fires would then be lit around the bull. As the victim succumbed to the searing heat inside, he would thrash about and scream in agony. The movements and sounds, muted by the bull's mass, made the apparatus appear alive, the sounds inside like those of a real bull.





The entertainment : This effect created additional amusement for the audience, and served the added benefit of distancing them from the brutality of the torture, since they couldn't directly see the victim.

The man behind : Legend has it that this device was invented by a Greek named Perillus (Perilaus in some sources) for a tyrant named Phalaris of Agrigentum. Expecting a handsome reward for his creativity, Perillus instead became the first person placed inside the Brazen Bull.