Block (punishment)
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The block (partly also stock , English stocks) has been a means of punishment since ancient times and into modern times. It is related to the pillory .
use
The block was made of wood and had several holes through which the convict had to put his hands and neck or legs. Depending on the severity of the offense, the length of time the convict had to stay in the block varied.
The inclusion in the block increased the prison sentence. Therefore, blocks are mostly found in dungeons, which were often located in gates or gate towers (block towers), where guards were stationed anyway and which ensured safe custody of the inmates due to the construction.
Even if they mostly think of medieval punishments and torture, the block is already a very old security measure that was already practiced in antiquity. The Bible reports that Paul and Silas were placed in the block in a Roman prison in Philippi ( Acts 16 : 23-24 HFA ).
The block was also used for runaway slaves .
Differentiation from the pillory
While the block was mostly used as a security measure, people were shown publicly in the pillory. Here public shame was the main feature.
