Surviving History: Halifax Gibbet (2:01)
In this Surviving History video clip learn about the halifax. The halifax was an early version of the guillotine or decapitating machine. It was used as a method of execution for those who broke laws. However, there were a few flaws in the design.
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Related Videos (10)
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Surviving History: Halifax Gibbet
Surviving History: Halifax GibbetVideo Clip (2:01)
Video Clip (2:01)
In this Surviving History video clip learn about the halifax. The halifax was an early version of the guillotine or decapitating machine. It was used as a method of execution for those who broke laws. However, there were a few flaws in the design.
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Body Snatching in London
Body Snatching in LondonVideo Clip (2:34)
Video Clip (2:34)
Don Wildman explores the black market of body snatching in Victorian London.
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Surviving History: The Pendulum
Surviving History: The PendulumVideo Clip (2:05)
Video Clip (2:05)
In this Surviving History video clip learn about the Execution Pendulum. This giant bladed pendulum swung back and forth over a person and slowly lowered down until the sharp blade cut slowly through the person's body.
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Surviving History: The Gallows
Surviving History: The GallowsVideo Clip (2:00)
Video Clip (2:00)
In this Surviving History video clip learn about the history of hanging as a method of execution. See various techniques used and what was thought to be the most effective and crowd pleasing way to perform the execution.
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Surviving History: Brazen Bull
Surviving History: Brazen BullVideo Clip (2:08)
Video Clip (2:08)
In this Surviving History video clip learn about the brazen bull. This execution device was created in 560 BC in Greece as a way to publically execute someone. The person is placed inside a metal bull and a fire is lit underneath it.
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Surviving History: Pressed to Death
Surviving History: Pressed to DeathVideo Clip (2:01)
Video Clip (2:01)
In this Surviving History video clip learn about the execution method of being pressed to death. The victim would be placed between two boards and heavy objects such as stone, metal, or even elephants would be placed on top, until the victim died.
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Coroner's Report: Hanging
Coroner's Report: HangingVideo Clip (2:08)
Video Clip (2:08)
One of the oldest forms of capital punishment, hanging kills--but not the way most people think. What makes the dreaded hangman's noose so lethal?
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Surviving History: The Rack
Surviving History: The RackVideo Clip (2:07)
Video Clip (2:07)
In this Surviving History video clip learn about the torture rack. The crew of the Scare Factory gives the history of the torture device which slowly stretched the arms and legs of the person until they were disconnected.
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Surviving History: Tread Wheel
Surviving History: Tread WheelVideo Clip (2:05)
Video Clip (2:05)
In this Surviving History video clip learn about the treadwheel, also known as the treadmill. It was originally used in prisons as a way for the prisoners to release their boredom.
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Coroner's Report: Plague
Coroner's Report: PlagueVideo Clip (2:37)
Video Clip (2:37)
In the 14th century, a devastating plague known as the Black Death claimed an estimated 75 million lives. How did the people who contracted it know their luck had run out?
Related Speeches & Audio (1)
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Execution of Gary Gilmore
Execution of Gary GilmoreAudio Clip (0:11)
Audio Clip (0:11)
At 8:07 a.m. on January 17, 1977, convicted murderer Gary Mark Gilmore is declared dead. Gilmore's execution, ordered by the Judicial District Court of Utah, was the first in 10 years carried out in America.
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