Damnatio Memoriae

By Crusader1307

The ideology and eventual practice of ‘’Damnatio Memoriae’’ (translated to mean ‘’Condemnation of Memory’’), can be found ‘’used’’ as a form of Punishment as long ago as the 13^th Century BC. In short, certain Persons either had or have, performed some ‘’unforgivable crime’’. So repulsive it seems, that in that Person’s death, all ‘’living’’ memory is ordered erased. Any statues or paintings are destroyed or mutilated as well as any official record is ‘’removed’’. Damnatio Memoriae could even be applied to any living relatives – thus removing Their fortunes and memory in History. Such crimes as ‘’High Treason’’, Heresy, or Homicide of Royalty, were but some examples of the concept. The practice would continue well into The Medieval Era and even a popular ‘’tool’’ for Communist Leaders of the 20^th Century - to eradicate potential rivals. Some see Damnatio Memoriae as the earliest example of ‘’Cancel Culture’’ and ‘’Revisionist History’’.