Getting Medieval on Your Ass

The act of deliberately inflicting severe physical or mental suffering on people as a form or punishment, fulfilling a twisted desire, or to force action from the victim has been done from the beginning of time, and it still occurs today. It has been carried out by or sanctioned by individuals, groups, and states for many reasons like punishment or revenge, extortion or persuasion, political action or coercion, or to get a confession whether the victim is guilty or not.