The Judas Cradle: The Torture Method That Haunts History

The inquisitors of history utilized an array of cruel and infamous torture methods to punish those who were believed to have sinned. Some of these methods include the rack, the wheel, and water torture. However, one torture method that is lesser known but was favored by the Spanish is the Judas Cradle, which was ironically considered to be one of the most humane methods.

The Judas Cradle is a simple device that comprises a wooden pyramid placed on top of three wooden legs, resembling a stool. However, it is not a stool that anyone would want to sit on. The device was typically placed in a torture chamber, and the victim would be suspended above it in a nude state, with their hands and feet bound by ropes that were connected to gears.

The victim would then be gradually lowered onto the tip of the Judas Cradle, often with additional weights attached to them. The sharp tip of the pyramid would penetrate their pelvis, causing extreme agony and excruciating pain. This torture method was used to extract confessions or information from the victims.

Despite the immense pain and suffering inflicted on the victims, the Spanish inquisitors considered the Judas Cradle to be a humane method of torture compared to other brutal techniques used during that period. However, the Judas Cradle was still a gruesome and inhumane form of punishment that resulted in severe internal injuries, infections, and even death.

History of the Judas Cradle

The conception of the Judas Cradle can be attributed to an Italian lawyer named Hippolytus De Marsiliis, also known as Ippolito Marsili. Although the Spanish Inquisition is given credit for its use, Marsili is credited with the original idea. Interestingly, Marsili is also responsible for introducing water torture to the world.

Marsili studied law in Bologna along with other notable figures such as Andrea Barbazza, Vincenzo Paleotti, and Alberto Cattani. He became the favorite pupil of Felino Sandeo, who held the chair of canon law in Ferrara and Pisa for a time.

Marsili is renowned for creating several torture methods that are still infamous to this day. Though he saw torture as a necessary evil rather than entertainment, many judges of his time had a fondness for it. Marsili's mind gave birth to some of the most gruesome torture techniques that were ever used.

In addition to inventing water torture, which he created after observing water erode parts of stone, Marsili also created the practice of forced vigil. This involved placing the prisoner in a chair and forcing them to stay awake while being observed by the torturers. In some cases, the prisoner would be forced to stay awake for up to 40 hours.

As for the Judas Cradle, Marsili is also credited with its invention, though the exact details of how or why he came up with it are not well known. It is likely that Marsili, along with others well-versed in church law, spent a considerable amount of time thinking of various torture techniques, and the Judas Cradle was just one of many that resulted from their twisted imaginations.

Horrible Torture Techniques Used By The Spanish Inquisition

While Marsili was developing his "humane" torture techniques, other members of the church in Spain were actively using the numerous torture methods that they had acquired over the years. The purpose of these tortures was supposedly to uncover and eradicate heresy, with the ultimate goal being the spread and dominance of Catholicism throughout the country.

There were hardly any regulations imposed on the inquisitors, granting them the freedom to extract information from individuals in any way they saw fit.

In addition, the Spanish inquisitors frequently utilized other brutal forms of torture, such as the Spanish Donkey, the Rack, the Knee Splitter, and of course, the Judas Cradle, which was fittingly named after the original heretic in the eyes of the church.

Judas Cradle Exhibited at The Museum Of Torture

On display at the museum are two distinct models of the Judas Cradle: the first features a small pyramid attached to four angled legs situated at each of its corners, while the second has a pyramid sitting atop a spike, resembling an arrow, and is supported by four legs.