The great Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We  have a moral obligation to disobey unjust laws.”  
The great Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We  have a moral obligation to disobey unjust laws.”  

And just imagine if our forefathers didn’t defy  the absurd, totally inhumane laws of the past,  
And just imagine if our forefathers didn’t defy  the absurd, totally inhumane laws of the past,  

violators would still probably be punished by  way of humiliation, mutilation and torture!
violators would still probably be punished by  way of humiliation, mutilation and torture!

Man: Don’t be talking so much  smack with this up your butt. 
Man: Don’t be talking so much  smack with this up your butt. 

Aladeen: That’s the anal umbrella,  that’s a good device I’ll give you that.
Aladeen: That’s the anal umbrella,  that’s a good device I’ll give you that.

We dare you not to cringe at these  12 Strangest Punishments Ever!
We dare you not to cringe at these  12 Strangest Punishments Ever!

What’s up, fact-natics! This is Discovery Amuse,  
What’s up, fact-natics! This is Discovery Amuse,  

serving up your daily dose of the most outrageous,  outlandish, and out-of-this-world fun facts!
serving up your daily dose of the most outrageous,  outlandish, and out-of-this-world fun facts!

Stay tuned because our top pick is so  brutal, it makes Eli Roth look like a saint!
Stay tuned because our top pick is so  brutal, it makes Eli Roth look like a saint!

#12: Cutting Off Noses
#12: Cutting Off Noses

3,000 years ago, in a desert location  between Ancient Egypt and Palestine,  
3,000 years ago, in a desert location  between Ancient Egypt and Palestine,  

lay a region called Rhinocolura. It  was said that this was a place where  
lay a region called Rhinocolura. It  was said that this was a place where  

thieves were banished after having  their noses cut off as punishment.
thieves were banished after having  their noses cut off as punishment.

The discovery of The Great Edict of Horemheb in  the 1880s proves that it was likely to have been  
The discovery of The Great Edict of Horemheb in  the 1880s proves that it was likely to have been  

founded by Egyptians, but the place was called  Tharu then. In this tablet, it was declared  
founded by Egyptians, but the place was called  Tharu then. In this tablet, it was declared  

that punishment for stealing will be: “His nose  shall be cut off, and he shall be sent to Tharu.”
that punishment for stealing will be: “His nose  shall be cut off, and he shall be sent to Tharu.”

Why you ask? Well, ancient Egyptians  saw it as a marker for criminals.  
Why you ask? Well, ancient Egyptians  saw it as a marker for criminals.  

This meant that they can never  go back to their cities because  
This meant that they can never  go back to their cities because  

people will immediately know that  they have been condemned to exile.
people will immediately know that  they have been condemned to exile.

Keep watching, because our number 1  pick is something you would not wish  
Keep watching, because our number 1  pick is something you would not wish  

even on your worst enemy!
even on your worst enemy!

#11: Drunkard’s Cloak
#11: Drunkard’s Cloak

Rachel: My god, Phoebe, how many have you had? Phoebe: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 times 3, 21.
Rachel: My god, Phoebe, how many have you had? Phoebe: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 times 3, 21.

Good thing Phoebe didn’t live through ancient  Britain! Because as early as the 16th century,  
Good thing Phoebe didn’t live through ancient  Britain! Because as early as the 16th century,  

excessive drinking was punished in England,  specifically in the northeastern region.  
excessive drinking was punished in England,  specifically in the northeastern region.  

This was due to the Ale Houses Act of 1551,  which made drunkenness a civil offense.
This was due to the Ale Houses Act of 1551,  which made drunkenness a civil offense.

Habitual heavy drinkers were made to  wear the so-called Drunkard’s Cloak  
Habitual heavy drinkers were made to  wear the so-called Drunkard’s Cloak  

as they were paraded through town.  It was an actual barrel with a hole  
as they were paraded through town.  It was an actual barrel with a hole  

on top for the head to pass through,  and a hole on each side for the arms.
on top for the head to pass through,  and a hole on each side for the arms.

Historical records show that this  punishment was used across Europe.  
Historical records show that this  punishment was used across Europe.  

It even crossed the Atlantic and was called the  Barrel Shirt in America sometime in the 1860s.
It even crossed the Atlantic and was called the  Barrel Shirt in America sometime in the 1860s.

From 19th century barrel shirts to modern wet  t-shirt contests, we sure have come a long way!
From 19th century barrel shirts to modern wet  t-shirt contests, we sure have come a long way!

10: Scold’s Bridle
10: Scold’s Bridle

These days, a lot of reality shows rely on all  the drama and the oh-so-juicy confessionals.
These days, a lot of reality shows rely on all  the drama and the oh-so-juicy confessionals.

Lisa: It’s all going according to  plan, she likes me more than Rinna.
Lisa: It’s all going according to  plan, she likes me more than Rinna.

But back in the Tudor times,  
But back in the Tudor times,  

spilling the tea could make you  tongue-tied in the worst way possible.
spilling the tea could make you  tongue-tied in the worst way possible.

During the 16th century, the Scold’s Bridle  or the Branks was an instrument of humiliation  
During the 16th century, the Scold’s Bridle  or the Branks was an instrument of humiliation  

used by men to punish their wives  who have a penchant for gossiping.  
used by men to punish their wives  who have a penchant for gossiping.  

The first use of the Scold’s Bridle was recorded  in Scotland in 1567. It’s basically an iron mask  
The first use of the Scold’s Bridle was recorded  in Scotland in 1567. It’s basically an iron mask  

with a bridle slid into the mouth and pressed  on the tongue to prevent a woman from speaking.
with a bridle slid into the mouth and pressed  on the tongue to prevent a woman from speaking.

As if that wasn’t torture enough, the  men attached a leash on the iron mask  
As if that wasn’t torture enough, the  men attached a leash on the iron mask  

and dragged their wives around  town to be ridiculed and shamed.
and dragged their wives around  town to be ridiculed and shamed.

Man: Put one of these on, it might rip  their tongue, they’re tied into a wall,  
Man: Put one of these on, it might rip  their tongue, they’re tied into a wall,  

smeared excrements on them, and beat them. Woman: If they survive the dragging through  
smeared excrements on them, and beat them. Woman: If they survive the dragging through  

chain, they probably won’t survive the beating.
chain, they probably won’t survive the beating.

This misogynistic artifact from a  bygone era was a barbaric method  
This misogynistic artifact from a  bygone era was a barbaric method  

to show how husbands can and should  contain their wives’ misdemeanors.
to show how husbands can and should  contain their wives’ misdemeanors.

#9: The Cangue The Cangue was  
#9: The Cangue The Cangue was  

used as a form of corporal punishment  in 17th century China. It consists of  
used as a form of corporal punishment  in 17th century China. It consists of  

a heavy flat wooden board with a hole large  enough for the person’s neck. Sometimes it  
a heavy flat wooden board with a hole large  enough for the person’s neck. Sometimes it  

would be placed on top of a cage so that the  person’s feet would not touch the ground,  
would be placed on top of a cage so that the  person’s feet would not touch the ground,  

slowly strangling him due to the wooden block’s  weight, which was about 12 to 33 pounds!
slowly strangling him due to the wooden block’s  weight, which was about 12 to 33 pounds!

Offenses were written on paper attached to the  Cangue as part of their public humiliation.  
Offenses were written on paper attached to the  Cangue as part of their public humiliation.  

Due to the block’s size, offenders cannot eat  because their hands couldn’t reach their mouths.  
Due to the block’s size, offenders cannot eat  because their hands couldn’t reach their mouths.  

They can only count on passersby  feeding them. Because of this,  
They can only count on passersby  feeding them. Because of this,  

some prisoners die from  dehydration and starvation.
some prisoners die from  dehydration and starvation.

It is unclear what sort of crimes were  punished with the use of the Cangue,  
It is unclear what sort of crimes were  punished with the use of the Cangue,  

but records show that it was still  used until the early 20th century.
but records show that it was still  used until the early 20th century.

#8: Bamboo Torture
#8: Bamboo Torture

Another form of punishment widely used in Asia,  
Another form of punishment widely used in Asia,  

the bamboo torture was one of the most insane  means of executions throughout history.
the bamboo torture was one of the most insane  means of executions throughout history.

This method was reportedly used as early as the  1820s, where a person is tied up and made to lie  
This method was reportedly used as early as the  1820s, where a person is tied up and made to lie  

on top of a fast-growing bamboo shoot. This  means of torture was also believed to be used by  
on top of a fast-growing bamboo shoot. This  means of torture was also believed to be used by  

Japanese soldiers to torment their American  P.O.W.’s during the Second World War.
Japanese soldiers to torment their American  P.O.W.’s during the Second World War.

In theory, some varieties of bamboo  shoot can penetrate several inches  
In theory, some varieties of bamboo  shoot can penetrate several inches  

of muscle tissues in just three  days, but it still sounds pretty  
of muscle tissues in just three  days, but it still sounds pretty  

incredible to make a bamboo tree  actually grow through a human body,  
incredible to make a bamboo tree  actually grow through a human body,  

right? So the peeps at Mythbusters tried to prove  whether the bamboo torture was actually possible.
right? So the peeps at Mythbusters tried to prove  whether the bamboo torture was actually possible.

Man: Our timelapse shows that  this penetrated that body in a  
Man: Our timelapse shows that  this penetrated that body in a  

matter of a couple of days or so.  It’s possible, as gruesome as it is.
matter of a couple of days or so.  It’s possible, as gruesome as it is.

#7: Execution by Elephant
#7: Execution by Elephant

Aww, how can something so gentle be  utilized to carry out a death sentence?!
Aww, how can something so gentle be  utilized to carry out a death sentence?!

But apparently, execution by means  of crushing a person’s head with  
But apparently, execution by means  of crushing a person’s head with  

an elephant’s foot has been done by  several civilizations across history.
an elephant’s foot has been done by  several civilizations across history.

Dating back to 220 BC with the  Carthaginians, prisoners of war  
Dating back to 220 BC with the  Carthaginians, prisoners of war  

of the well-known general Hannibal were  executed under an elephant’s trotter.
of the well-known general Hannibal were  executed under an elephant’s trotter.

The practice later became  more widespread in India,  
The practice later became  more widespread in India,  

neighboring Sri Lanka, and in Southeast Asia.
neighboring Sri Lanka, and in Southeast Asia.

Asian elephants, believed to be royal  authority symbols, were used for  
Asian elephants, believed to be royal  authority symbols, were used for  

crushing and dismembering prisoners in public  executions. Due to their high intelligence,  
crushing and dismembering prisoners in public  executions. Due to their high intelligence,  

elephants were easily trained to be executioners.  Some were even taught to prolong the victim’s  
elephants were easily trained to be executioners.  Some were even taught to prolong the victim’s  

agony by inflicting injury using its husks  before striking the final death blow! Yikes!
agony by inflicting injury using its husks  before striking the final death blow! Yikes!

#6: Penalty of the Sack
#6: Penalty of the Sack

Also known as Poena Cullei in Latin,  
Also known as Poena Cullei in Latin,  

this punishment was imposed for the crime  of parricide under ancient Roman law.
this punishment was imposed for the crime  of parricide under ancient Roman law.

Man: That is the Roman way.
Man: That is the Roman way.

The earliest fully documented case of Peona  Cullei dates back to 100 BC. In this outrageous  
The earliest fully documented case of Peona  Cullei dates back to 100 BC. In this outrageous  

form of death penalty, the offender was  sewn up in a sack made with ox leather,  
form of death penalty, the offender was  sewn up in a sack made with ox leather,  

and animals were inserted in  it, including a dog, a snake,  
and animals were inserted in  it, including a dog, a snake,  

a monkey, and a chicken. After which, the  sack was thrown into a river or into the sea.
a monkey, and a chicken. After which, the  sack was thrown into a river or into the sea.

However, a few centuries later, the Penalty of  the Sack was replaced by burning alive or being  
However, a few centuries later, the Penalty of  the Sack was replaced by burning alive or being  

thrown at beasts in an arena as punishment for  parricide. Not exactly more humane if you ask me.
thrown at beasts in an arena as punishment for  parricide. Not exactly more humane if you ask me.

#5: Eaten Alive
#5: Eaten Alive

Ancient Persia was known for  its strict code of justice,  
Ancient Persia was known for  its strict code of justice,  

“an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”  And they sure enforced it in the most  
“an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”  And they sure enforced it in the most  

macabre ways possible. Just like  trhough a method called Scaphism.
macabre ways possible. Just like  trhough a method called Scaphism.

In scaphism, the condemned person was encased  between two boats. Then he was fed excessive  
In scaphism, the condemned person was encased  between two boats. Then he was fed excessive  

amounts of milk and honey, causing him to  eventually vomit and excrete. Oh, and did I  
amounts of milk and honey, causing him to  eventually vomit and excrete. Oh, and did I  

mention that milk and honey were also poured over  his face causing insects and vermin to flock over  
mention that milk and honey were also poured over  his face causing insects and vermin to flock over  

him? This resulted in the victim being festered  and eaten alive by swarms of bugs for days!
him? This resulted in the victim being festered  and eaten alive by swarms of bugs for days!

Who knew Persia was the OG land of milk and honey!
Who knew Persia was the OG land of milk and honey!

#4: Tickled by Goats
#4: Tickled by Goats

Oh yes, this torture scene from  the Japanese anime Fairy Tail is  
Oh yes, this torture scene from  the Japanese anime Fairy Tail is  

actually based on a real-life age-old punishment!
actually based on a real-life age-old punishment!

While tickling as a means of torture  was widely used by different cultures  
While tickling as a means of torture  was widely used by different cultures  

throughout history,-- from the ancient  Chinese dynasties to Nazi Germany—the  
throughout history,-- from the ancient  Chinese dynasties to Nazi Germany—the  

Romans had a more interesting take on the torture  technique. They employed goats to do the job!
Romans had a more interesting take on the torture  technique. They employed goats to do the job!

The restrained prisoner’s  feet were dipped in saltwater.  
The restrained prisoner’s  feet were dipped in saltwater.  

Then a goat was brought in to lick the person’s  feet. Once all the salt was licked off,  
Then a goat was brought in to lick the person’s  feet. Once all the salt was licked off,  

the process will be repeated until the  victim’s laughters turn into cries of agony.
the process will be repeated until the  victim’s laughters turn into cries of agony.

#3: Trial by Ordeal
#3: Trial by Ordeal

In this archaic religious practice  during Dark Age England, the guilt  
In this archaic religious practice  during Dark Age England, the guilt  

of the accused person was determined  by subjecting them to the will of God.  
of the accused person was determined  by subjecting them to the will of God.  

It’s believed that if the accused was innocent,  God would help them overcome the ordeal.
It’s believed that if the accused was innocent,  God would help them overcome the ordeal.

For instance, ordeal by fire requires the  condemned to walk a certain distance over  
For instance, ordeal by fire requires the  condemned to walk a certain distance over  

red-hot plowshares or while holding scalding  hot iron. A priest will examine the wound  
red-hot plowshares or while holding scalding  hot iron. A priest will examine the wound  

three days later and proclaim whether  or not God had intervened to heal them.
three days later and proclaim whether  or not God had intervened to heal them.

Man: What convicts you is not whether  you’re burnt or not, everyone will be burnt,  
Man: What convicts you is not whether  you’re burnt or not, everyone will be burnt,  

it’s whether your hand is clean or  foul. Has it turned pasty or not.
it’s whether your hand is clean or  foul. Has it turned pasty or not.

Meanwhile, the most common ordeal by water  documented was where the accused was forced to dip  
Meanwhile, the most common ordeal by water  documented was where the accused was forced to dip  

his hand, sometimes the entire arm, in a pot of  boiling water to retrieve a stone. Again, if the  
his hand, sometimes the entire arm, in a pot of  boiling water to retrieve a stone. Again, if the  

wounds heal, then he is acquitted. If it festers,  then he’ll be slapped with a guilty verdict.
wounds heal, then he is acquitted. If it festers,  then he’ll be slapped with a guilty verdict.

#2: Damnatio Memoriae
#2: Damnatio Memoriae

The ancient Romans sure gave a whole different  meaning to the phrase “eternal damnation.”  
The ancient Romans sure gave a whole different  meaning to the phrase “eternal damnation.”  

Just imagine being totally  erased from people’s memory!
Just imagine being totally  erased from people’s memory!

In this medieval version of getting  #cancelled, convicted Roman officials  
In this medieval version of getting  #cancelled, convicted Roman officials  

were stripped off of their titles and  sentenced to an eternity of being forgotten.
were stripped off of their titles and  sentenced to an eternity of being forgotten.

Ironically, some of the most popular victims  of this punishment include Caligula, Nero,  
Ironically, some of the most popular victims  of this punishment include Caligula, Nero,  

and the Emperor Geta whose names were ordered  to be removed from all records and their figures  
and the Emperor Geta whose names were ordered  to be removed from all records and their figures  

destroyed. Heck, even the mere mention of their  names was punishable by death. But obviously, this  
destroyed. Heck, even the mere mention of their  names was punishable by death. But obviously, this  

method didn’t really work in the long run because,  you know, there’s this thing called historians?
method didn’t really work in the long run because,  you know, there’s this thing called historians?

I don’t know about you but  it’s giving me some serious  
I don’t know about you but  it’s giving me some serious  

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” vibes.
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” vibes.

im: Can you hear me? I don’t want  this anymore, I wanna call it off!
im: Can you hear me? I don’t want  this anymore, I wanna call it off!

Before we go to our number 1 pick, do us a solid  
Before we go to our number 1 pick, do us a solid  

and make sure to smash the subscribe  button and hit the notification bell!  
and make sure to smash the subscribe  button and hit the notification bell!  

Don’t forget to choose “all” so you won’t  miss out on any of our latest life-changing,  
Don’t forget to choose “all” so you won’t  miss out on any of our latest life-changing,  

boredom-busting content! And of course, be sure  to turn on notifications in your app’s settings!
boredom-busting content! And of course, be sure  to turn on notifications in your app’s settings!

#1: The Blood Eagle
#1: The Blood Eagle

We’ve finally come to what is arguably the  most grotesque punishment on this list.  
We’ve finally come to what is arguably the  most grotesque punishment on this list.  

And how fitting that it was the  Vikings who practiced it. After all,  
And how fitting that it was the  Vikings who practiced it. After all,  

weren’t they known for raiding and pillaging  large parts of Europe for hundreds of years?
weren’t they known for raiding and pillaging  large parts of Europe for hundreds of years?

Ivar: I am Ivar the Boneless! I am  Ivar the Boneless! You can’t kill me!
Ivar: I am Ivar the Boneless! I am  Ivar the Boneless! You can’t kill me!

The Blood Eagle was a ritual method of  execution used by the Vikings on their enemies.  
The Blood Eagle was a ritual method of  execution used by the Vikings on their enemies.  

Norse literature describes this  ritual in detail – “carve an  
Norse literature describes this  ritual in detail – “carve an  

eagle on his back with a sword, and  cut the ribs all from the backbone,  
eagle on his back with a sword, and  cut the ribs all from the backbone,  

and draw the lungs there out, and gave  him to Odin for the victory he had won.”
and draw the lungs there out, and gave  him to Odin for the victory he had won.”

Legends say that if the victim can remain  still and not make a sound until his death,  
Legends say that if the victim can remain  still and not make a sound until his death,  

he can still go to Valhalla the Viking’s  version of heaven--and eat with the gods.
he can still go to Valhalla the Viking’s  version of heaven--and eat with the gods.

an: I don’t mind dying, but I want someone to hold  my hair out of the way so he can make a clean cut. 
an: I don’t mind dying, but I want someone to hold  my hair out of the way so he can make a clean cut. 

So, which of these did you  find the most gut-wrenching?  
So, which of these did you  find the most gut-wrenching?  

Let us know in the comments section below.
Let us know in the comments section below.

Take home any of our exclusive  gear by browsing our merch shelf  
Take home any of our exclusive  gear by browsing our merch shelf  

or clicking the link in the video  description! And while you’re at it,  
or clicking the link in the video  description! And while you’re at it,  

take our quiz to find out how you can earn extra  cash online doing what you do best! Awesome right!
take our quiz to find out how you can earn extra  cash online doing what you do best! Awesome right!

From time travelling back to the  past, let’s gear up for the grim  
From time travelling back to the  past, let’s gear up for the grim  

future as we countdown the 8 Cool Ideas  to Prepare for a Zombie Apocalypse!
future as we countdown the 8 Cool Ideas  to Prepare for a Zombie Apocalypse!

‘Til then, always abide by the law,  fact-natics! And see you in the next video!
‘Til then, always abide by the law,  fact-natics! And see you in the next video!