What evidence tells us that some punishments were very cruel? - research task - Worksheet

The worksheet on 'Instruments of Punishment' serves as a research task to explore the severity and nature of punishments in historical contexts. Students are tasked with investigating various instruments used for punishment in bygone eras, extending their study beyond the examples provided in earlier materials. By examining these tools and methods of punishment, the task encourages learners to draw insights into the social and cultural life of different periods, reflecting on how societal values and legal systems have evolved over time.

The research task prompts students to consider the progression of 'crime and punishment' throughout history, questioning how attitudes towards justice and retribution have shifted. In seeking evidence of the cruelty of some historical punishments, students are guided to critically analyze primary and secondary sources. This could include historical records, visual representations, and scholarly interpretations, which collectively illustrate the often harsh and inhumane nature of past penal practices. The task, therefore, not only educates about historical facts but also fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of human rights developments over the centuries.