Torture is a gruesome act of violence. In ancient times, torture was used in Greek and Roman societies, as well as in 12th century Europe, as a means of extracting “truth” and displaying power. However, while torture has been condemned and abolished internationally, with particular emphasis on improving human rights, questions about its practice in the modern world remain unanswered. Torture has historically served for public penance using explicit tools, locations, and the end result for some: execution. Originally, public penance was used to set an example of what happens when someone breaks the law or is unruly. It was also used to embarrass or humiliate someone in a public setting for all to see. In some way or shape, the victim had to walk around town doing or wearing something to highlight what they were being punished for. If a woman misbehaved or acted uncharacteristically, her husband would put "The Brank" on her. Brank is a type of device used to humiliate women who broke public order through gossip or other means. It was a cage-like device that went around her head and in her mouth and if the woman tried to speak, it would pierce her tongue. Coffin torture was also a very cruel instrument in which the victim was confined for hours or more. (Coffin) Since the dawn of time, our history has been shadowed by unspeakable acts of punishment, many of them carried out by serious people with righteous intentions. Some of the most atrocious 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 paper... quicker death. In conclusion, torture was a very cruel and gruesome act. . From the extortion of confessions to execution. The pain was unbearable and a lot of blood was shed. Torture has historically served for public penance using explicit tools, locations, and the end result or something: execution. Works Cited "Coffin Torture." Middle Ages and castles. 2013. Web. November 15, 2013. http://www.medievality.com/coffin-torture.html.“The Poor Law of 1601.” History. 2013. Web. November 20, 2013. http://prison102.tripod.com/history.html“The Rack Torture.” Middle Ages and castles. 2013. Web. 15 November 2013. http://www.medievality.com/the-rack-torture.html“The Virgin of Nuremberg”. Middle Ages and castles. 2013. Web. 15 November 2013. http://www.medievality.com/maiden-nuremberg.htmlMcIlwain, John. “Dungeons and torture”. Pages 3, 11, 13, 14. Andover: Pitkin, 1998. Print.