gibbets

A gibbet is a crude wooden structure, typically consisting of a vertical post with a projecting arm, from which the bodies of criminals were hung after execution. This form of punishment, known as hanging in chains or gibbeting, was practiced in various parts of Europe and its colonies from the Middle Ages until the early 19th century. The primary purpose of gibbeting was not simply execution, but rather public display as a deterrent. By leaving the body exposed for extended periods, often encased in chains or a metal cage to prevent scavenging by animals, authorities aimed to instill fear and discourage potential wrongdoers. The sight of a decaying corpse served as a stark visual reminder of the consequences of breaking the law. The locations chosen for gibbeting were often prominent, such as crossroads or hillsides, ensuring maximum visibility. The practice gradually fell out of favor due to its perceived barbarity, the unsanitary conditions it created, and the eventual adoption of more humane methods of execution and punishment. While the physical structures are long gone, the term "gibbet" remains associated with this grim historical practice.