One of the most cruel punishments in history is scaphism, used by the ancient Persians.

How It Worked:

1. Strapped in Boats: The victim was tied between two boats or hollowed-out logs, leaving their head, hands, and feet outside.
2. Force-fed: They were fed milk and honey, causing severe diarrhea.
3. Left in the Open: The boats were left in stagnant water or under the sun.
4. Attracting Insects: Milk and honey were smeared on their body, attracting insects.
5. Slow Death: Insects would bite and lay eggs, leading to a slow, painful death from infections and exposure.

Effects:

• Intense Pain: Insect bites and infestations caused extreme pain.
• Severe Dehydration: Exposure to the sun and lack of water led to dehydration.
• Infections: Open wounds and waste exposure led to deadly infections.

Scaphism was designed to make the victim suffer as long as possible before dying, making it one of the cruelest forms of punishment in history.