One of ancient Rome’s most infamous punishments, the poena cullei, was a horrifying fate reserved for those convicted of parricide—killing one’s parents. This gruesome penalty involved sealing the offender inside a sack with a monkey, a snake, and a chicken before throwing the sack into a river. The panicked animals, coupled with the tight confinement, created a chaotic and brutal scene meant to mirror the heinous nature of the crime.
A recent YouTube simulation by Zack D. Films brought this punishment to life, leaving viewers shocked by its sheer cruelty. The reenactment showed how the terrified animals would attack the person inside the sack, compounding their suffering as they struggled for air. Some variations of the punishment even used waterproof leather sacks to ensure the condemned died from injuries rather than drowning.
The video sparked significant reactions, with some viewers empathizing with the animals trapped in the ordeal, while others pointed out the terrifying possibility of being wrongly accused and subjected to such a fate. Many remarked on the profound trauma inflicted on all involved and criticized the moral justification for using living creatures in such a barbaric act.
While the poena cullei was specific to Rome, it’s a chilling reminder of how civilizations have historically devised gruesome ways to enforce justice. This punishment has since become a topic of grim fascination for historians and enthusiasts delving into ancient legal practices.
