Torture is a horrific act of violence. Historically, torture was used in Greek and Roman societies, as well as 12th-century Europe, as a means of extracting “truth” and demonstrating power. However, while torture has been condemned and abolished internationally, with particular emphasis placed on improving human rights, questions about its practice in the modern world remain unanswered. Historically, torture has served as public penance using explicit instruments and venues and the end result for some – execution. Originally, public penance was used to set an example of what happens when a person breaks the law or is undisciplined. It was also used to embarrass or humiliate someone in a public place, in plain sight. Somehow the victim had to walk around town doing or wearing something to mark the reason they were being punished. If a woman misbehaved or acted out of character, the husband would put “The Brank” on her. The Brank is a type of device used to humiliate women who have disrupted public order through gossip or other means. It was a cage-type device that went around her head and went into her mouth and if the woman tried to speak it would pierce her tongue. Coffin torture was also a very cruel device where the victim was locked up for hours or longer. (Coffin)Since the dawn of time, our history has been darkened by unspeakable acts of punishment, many of which were committed by serious people with righteous intentions. Some of the most vile tortures have been inflicted in the name of religion. Some were stoned to death; others were thrown off cliffs or beaten into oblivion in various ways. The less fortunate could be torn to pieces by wild beasts, thrown into cauldrons of boiling oil, burned alive in the middle of a piece of paper... a quicker death. In conclusion, torture was a very cruel and horrible act. . From extracting confessions to execution. The pain was unbearable and a lot of blood was flowing. Historically, torture has served as public penance using explicit instruments and venues and the end result or some – execution. Works Cited “Coffin Torture”. Medieval times and castles. 2013. Internet. November 15, 2013. http://www.medievality.com/coffin-torture.html. “The Poor Law of 1601”. History. 2013. Internet. November 20, 2013. http://prison102.tripod.com/history.html “The Rack Torture.” Medieval times and castles. 2013. Internet. November 15, 2013. http://www.medievality.com/the-rack-torture.html “The Virgin of Nuremberg”. Medieval times and castles. 2013. Internet. November 15, 2013. http://www.medievality.com/maiden-nuremberg.htmlMcIlwain, John. “Dungeons and torture”. Pages 3, 11, 13, 14. Andover: Pitkin, 1998. Print.