The Tragic Practice of Scaphism in Ancient Persia

The practice of scaphism has been described as one of the most gruesome and inhumane methods of execution ever devised by human beings. It was developed and perhaps fully utilized in the ancient Persian Empire around 500 B.C., known also as the Achaemenid Empire. Contrary to its name (which translates to 'boats' in Greek), scaphism was not a gentle or quick means of disposing of those deemed a threat by the Persian rulers. Instead, it was a heart-wrenching and agonizing ordeal that involved a slow and painful death by insect infestation.

Origins and Descriptions

The earliest known reference to scaphism is found in Plutarch’s Life of Artaxerxes, where he describes this inhumane method of execration. Plutarch recounts the tale of a soldier named Mithridates, a loyal subject to King Artaxerxes II who was punished for killing his brother Cyrus the Younger, a rebel who sought to claim the throne. Mithridates was forced to endure the full horror of scaphism as a way to express the wrath of the Persian king.

The Procedure of Scaphism

Scaphism was a two-stage process. The victim was first tied between two boats or hollow logs, hands and feet being held in place, creating a narrow space for them to lie within. Before being placed in this vulnerable position, they were force-fed a sweet concoction of milk and honey. This was done to attract insects, particularly the various species that love sweet substances. Once the victim had been doused with more of the same mixture and set afloat in water, the environment was ideal for insect infestation.

The body's orifices, including the ears, nose, and eyes, became prime targets for insects to enter. Once inside, these insects would lay their eggs in the body, causing an unbearable internal as well as external infestation. This process, along with the constant application of milk and honey, would continue until the victim descended into madness. The intent was to inflict the maximum amount of pain and suffering, paralleling the graphic description given by Plutarch:

"Insects, bees, beetles, bugs, wasps, all lovers of things sweet…would descend on them eating and stinging, entering all open orifices. They would lay eggs within, eating from the inside out as well as the outside in." Plutarch, Life of Artaxerxes

The Human Cost of Scaphism

Imagine the ordeal a victim of scaphism would endure. The slow, excruciating process of being eaten alive by insects over an extended period of time was nothing short of a living nightmare. The pain and torment must have been unbearable, leading to a long period of suffering before ultimately succumbing to the relentless torment. It is not a stretch to imagine that many victims would have wished for a swift death, but the intent of the practice was to prolong suffering for as long as possible.

The methods used in scaphism were not only cruel but also bizarre, highlighting the lengths to which ancient rulers would go to maintain their power and display their authority. This practice stands as a dark chapter in human history, serving as a reminder of the cruelty that can sometimes be found even within the most sophisticated societies of the past.