Scaphism

Scaphism, also known as "the boats," was an ancient Persian method of execution designed to inflict prolonged and excruciating torture, ultimately leading to death. The practice is vividly described by Plutarch in his account of the execution of Mithridates, a Persian soldier who killed Cyrus the Younger.

Method:

The condemned individual would be placed inside a hollowed-out log or between two boats (hence "the boats") fitted closely together, with only the head, hands, and feet protruding. The victim would then be forced to ingest large quantities of milk and honey, which, in addition to causing extreme diarrhea, attracted insects.

The victim was then left exposed to the elements and the sun. The excrement and food deposited around the body would attract flies and other insects, which would breed within the confines of the boats and consume the person's flesh. Further exacerbating the torment, the individual might be smeared with more honey to attract even more insects.

The process was repeated daily, and the victim was often force-fed to prolong the suffering. The combination of starvation, dehydration, exposure, and infection, combined with the agonizing attacks of insects and the putrefaction of the body within the enclosed space, eventually resulted in death. Death could take days or even weeks.

Historical Attestation:

The primary source for scaphism is Plutarch's biography of Artaxerxes II. Other ancient sources mention the practice, but Plutarch's description is the most detailed and often cited. The historical accuracy of Plutarch's account has been debated by scholars, with some questioning whether scaphism was ever actually practiced in the manner he describes, or if it was exaggerated for rhetorical effect.

Etymology:

The word "scaphism" is derived from the Greek word "skaphe" (σκάφη), meaning "dugout" or "trough."

Significance:

Scaphism is considered one of the most brutal forms of execution ever devised, representing a deliberate attempt to inflict maximum pain and humiliation upon the condemned. Its alleged use highlights the extreme violence and cruelty that characterized some ancient societies.