Saturday, 3 October 2026

Castration as punishment for crimes against the emperor in Ancient Rome and China

Roman castration tongs for animals in a museum case, with bronze busts and horse heads on the handles.

In Ancient Rome and China, insulting the ruler, rebellion and other crimes against the emperor were punished by castration. Here, by way of illustration, are some Roman castration tongs. These ones, admittedly, were for animals. Something to ponder at your leisure

Report a translation error