Decapitation

By Crusader1307

Easily one of the first forms of Execution, the process of Decapitation  (or Beheading), was quite simply - the traumatic removal of a Human head by force. The "force" was traditionally accomplished by means of a sharp Object  (as a sword or axe). Used for Centuries as the ultimate form of Execution, it was a written Code and matter of Law in Ancient Rome. All Roman Citizens were afforded two forms of Execution methods, if convicted of certain  "Capital Crimes". The first was Ritual Suicide. This was common among The Patrician Class. Conspirators in Treason Plots were allowed to take poison or to cut their own wrists (and bleed to death). The other method was Beheading. Other forms of Execution such as Crucifixion or Hanging, were seen as "barbaric". In The Roman Army, acts of Treason perpetrated by Ranking or "Titled" Officers were dealt with by the following. The condemned Officer was taken before his Legion and stripped of all Rank and possessions (often down to his Tunica). Facing away, he was placed on his knees. A selected Soldier would then take the Officers own Sword (Gladius), and cut off the Officers head. The body was often sent home to his Family  (a further move at dishonoring the Offender through his Family's "shame"). Often, even they would not accept custody of the body. Refused the right of a Roman Funeral  (cremation), he would be buried in the ground. The Practice would become the mainstay for ''General Execution'' in many Countries for countless centuries and can still be found in use today (mostly in Middle Eastern Countries).