Death by burning

Death by burning: A gruesome history
Imagine the agony of being consumed by flames, a fate that has haunted human societies for millennia. From ancient civilizations to modern conflicts, the practice of burning people alive has left an indelible mark on history. This article delves into the dark corners of this barbaric tradition, exploring its origins and evolution through time.

Historical Context: Burning as Punishment

Burning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient times. In Babylon, the law code of Hammurabi prescribed burning alive for certain crimes. Similarly, in Egypt and Assyria, rebels and adulterous women faced this gruesome fate. The Neo-Assyrian King Ashurnasirpal II was notorious for his brutal executions, including burning people alive.

The practice extended beyond mere punishment to religious sacrifice. In ancient Rome, the Twelve Tables included a law that allowed enemies of the state and deserters to be burned alive. This method was also used in the execution of early Christian martyrs, with the infamous tunica molesta (a garment soaked in oil) causing severe burns.

Burning as a Tool for Suppression

During the Middle Ages, burning became a tool for suppressing dissent and maintaining religious orthodoxy. In England, the De heretico comburendo act of 1401 led to Lollard persecution for over a century. The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, targeted ‘Marranos’ (converted Jews) and Moriscos (converted Muslims), with autos-da-fé becoming a common spectacle.

Across Europe, burning was used against those accused of heresy or witchcraft. Notable cases include Giordano Bruno and Michael Servetus, who were executed by burning for their controversial beliefs. The practice also extended to sexual crimes like sodomy, with up to 1678 executions in Geneva alone.

Global Practices: From Europe to Asia

The use of burning as a form of punishment was not confined to Europe. In India, the practice of sati (widow burning) became widespread during Muslim invasions, with its meaning evolving into a way for women to preserve honor by killing themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre.

In Morocco and Algeria, apostates from Islam and non-Muslims committing certain crimes were burnt alive. Similarly, in Peru, Mariana de Castro was executed for being a judaizante (practicing Judaism privately). In Suriname, three Negroes were burned alive in 1853.

The practice of burning widows also occurred in Bali, where it was known as masatia, though it was allegedly banned by Dutch colonial authorities in 1903. In Nepal, the practice of jauhar (royal women committing mass suicide to prevent capture) continued until 1920.

Modern Era: Extrajudicial Burnings

The modern era has seen a shift from judicial burnings to extrajudicial killings. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, drug dealers use burning people inside piles of tires as a form of murder. During the Guatemalan Civil War, extrajudicial killings by burning occurred.

In Australia, an Australian missionary and his sons were burnt to death in 1999, while in Pakistan, the Taliban burned three truck drivers alive in 2008. ISIS has also been notorious for burning people alive, including a Jordanian pilot in 2015.

The practice of bride-burning continues to be a tragic reality in some parts of the world, with cases reported from New Zealand and other countries.

Conclusion: A Grim Legacy

Burning as a form of punishment or execution has left an indelible mark on human history. From ancient civilizations to modern conflicts, this barbaric practice has been used to suppress dissent, maintain religious orthodoxy, and perpetuate violence. The legacy of burning remains a grim reminder of the darkest aspects of human nature.