The Horrific History of Brazen Bulls: From Ancient Greece to Modern Times
What are Brazen Bulls?
Brazen bulls were ancient torture devices that were used to kill criminals in a gruesome and painful way. The device was designed to look like a bull, with a hollow bronze body and a door on one side. The criminal would be placed inside the bull, and a fire would be lit underneath. As the metal heated up, the person inside would slowly roast to death. The bull was designed so that the screams of the victim would sound like the bellowing of a bull.
Origins of the Brazen Bull
The brazen bull was invented in Ancient Greece by Perillos of Athens, a brass worker who offered his invention to Phalaris, the tyrant of Agrigentum in Sicily. According to legend, Perillos wanted to create a device that would impress the tyrant and demonstrate his own ingenuity. Phalaris, who was known for his cruelty, was impressed by the device and ordered that it be tested on Perillos himself. However, before he could be placed inside, Phalaris had Perillos thrown off a cliff instead.
Use of Brazen Bulls in Ancient Times
The use of brazen bulls was not limited to Ancient Greece. They were also used by the Romans, who called the device the “Taurobolium”. The Romans used the device as a form of punishment for Christians and other religious dissenters. The device was also used by the Persians, who used it to execute politicians and military leaders who were suspected of treason.
Brazen Bulls in Popular Culture
The brazen bull has also made appearances in popular culture throughout history. The device was famously used in the Bible as an instrument of punishment by King Nebuchadnezzar. In the book of Daniel, he commands that three Hebrews be thrown into a fiery furnace, which many scholars believe was a brazen bull. The brazen bull has also appeared in works of literature, such as Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”, and in movies, such as “Immortals” and “The Scorpion King”.
Legacy of the Brazen Bull
The brazen bull is a chilling reminder of the cruelty that humans are capable of. Its invention and use demonstrate the lengths that some people will go to in order to inflict pain and suffering on others. Despite its barbarity, the device has had a lasting impact on popular culture, and its image continues to be used in art and media today.
Conclusion
The brazen bull is a gruesome relic of ancient times that serves as a reminder of the horrific things that humans have done to each other throughout history. Its invention and use demonstrate the depths of human depravity and cruelty, and its legacy serves as a warning to future generations to never forget the atrocities that have been committed in the past. While the brazen bull may no longer be in use today, its image and its legacy will continue to haunt us for years to come.
