History is littered with strange and horrifying torture methods, but one of the most bizarre involves nothing more than a goat and a bucket of saltwater. Known as the “goat’s tongue” punishment, this ancient method caused unimaginable agony — and could even lead to death.
How the Goat’s Tongue Torture Methods Worked
The process was deceptively simple but undeniably cruel. The victim’s feet would be soaked in saltwater, making the skin soft, sensitive, and irresistible to a goat. Once restrained, the person was subjected to relentless licking as the goat eagerly went to work on their salty soles.
At first, the sensation might have felt ticklish or even harmless, but over time, the goat’s abrasive tongue would wear away layers of skin. The pain would escalate as the raw, exposed flesh became increasingly sensitive. Worse still, the open wounds were a breeding ground for infection, especially given the unsanitary nature of the method.
In some cases, victims succumbed to infections caused by the licking, while others faced a slow recovery, often unable to walk for weeks or months.
The goat’s tongue torture is believed to date back to Ancient Rome, appearing in historical texts that condemned such practices. While this method may seem absurd by modern standards, it serves as a grim reminder of humanity’s penchant for creative cruelty.
Thankfully, this gruesome practice has long since faded into obscurity. Still, it’s a chilling glimpse into the darker corners of history, where even a gentle farm animal could be turned into a tool of torment.
The next time you hear someone say “death by a thousand cuts,” remember the unsettling alternative of being “licked to death” by a goat. Be grateful this horrifying chapter of history has been closed for good.
