The ''Rat Cage''

By Crusader1307

The ''Rat Cage'' Device and Practice has often fallen into the range of fantasy torture devices and procedures. Some historians claim no such practice or device existed. The theory was a "slow death" rather and a torture device. The Victim was strapped down to a table. On his or her abdomen was placed a specially designed brazier cage (with hot coals suspended in a metal cup device on the top). Inside the cage was placed 1 or 2 rodents. As the intense heat grew, the rodents (in fear) would begin to try and claw their way from danger. Obviously, the only way to escape was by chewing and digging their way through the Victim! This "process"" would take several hours or more! If this device and process did exist (outside the realm of a Haunted House or Waxworks), it would have been quite grisly. Other variations of the process involves a "strapped bucket" which likewise was strapped to the chest. A compartment was at the other end (filled with red hot coals). Rodents were inside the bucket. There was also a Head Cage version, which allowed rodents to chew the lips, nose ears and eyelids - of the Victim.