Damnatio ad Bestias

By Crusader1307

The term ''Damnatio ad Bestias'' was an Ancient Roman form of Execution – likened to a ''Bloodsport''. It was a form of entertainment for The Lower Class of Rome during The Games (Gladiatorial Spectacles). They were popular from the 1st to 3rd Centuries AD. The punishment involved placing a Victim in the center of an Arena (unassisted by protection such as a weapon). Wild (and very hungry) Animals (normally Cats such as Lions and Tigers) – were then released to rend the Victim to pieces (upon which The Cat would feed). Such ''punishment'' was only reserved for Slaves, Captured Warriors and later Members of The Christian Religious Sect. Roman Citizens could not be executed in this fashion – regardless. Should The Animals be somewhat ''reluctant'' to attack, often Handlers would prompt them with Spear and Sword. Often, these Animals would be starved (not feed) – for days, to incite their viciousness.

In some cases, Victims, would be cut on their legs, arms and backs – as a means of inciting Animals to attack due to the smell of blood. Later, especially during The Christian persecutions, Victims would be tied to Stakes (stationary), with The Animals clawing and rending them to a slow death. The Spectacles were abolished around 680 AD. However, examples of Damnatio ad Bestias still existed in The Eastern (Byzantine) Empire into the beginning of the 10th Century AD (as a method of executing Prisoners in general).