Skip to main content

scaphism 

Scaphism, also known as the boats, is an ancient Persian method of execution designed to inflict torturous death. The name comes from the Greek word skaphe, meaning "scooped out".

The naked victim would be firmly fastened within a back-to-back pair of narrow rowboats (or in some variations a hollowed out tree trunk). The victim's head, hands, and feet would protrude from this improvised container.

The victim would be forced to ingest milk and honey to the point of developing severe diarrhea, and more honey would be rubbed on his body so as to attract insects to the exposed appendages.

He would then be left to float on a stagnant pond (or alternately, simply exposed to the sun somewhere).

The diarrhoea would accumulate within the container, attracting more insects, which would eat and breed within the defenseless victim's exposed (and increasingly gangrenous) flesh.

Death, when it eventually occurred, would probably be due to a combination of dehydration, starvation and septic shock.

In other recorded versions, the insects did not eat the victim; biting and stinging insects such as wasps, which were attracted by honey on the body, acted as the torture.

Death by scaphism is painful, humiliating, and protracted. Historical records suggest that Mithridates, sentenced to die in this manner for a perceived insult to the king, survived for 17 days before expiring.
Ancient Persians often used scaphism as a means of torture to those who insulted Royalty.
scaphism by M Donovan July 30, 2006
Related Words

sapphism 

Sapphism is a word unknown to most of the world. It is a synonym for lesbianism. The word Sapphism originates from the lesbian poet Sappho who lived on the island of Lesbos.
What is unknown to most is that Sapphism and lesbianism are the same thing!
sapphism by Artemis Elani December 11, 2008
A religion devoted entirely to the goddess of destruction/chaos/life, Seph. Pretty much the best thing you could ever join without being a full blown satanist. If you are scared or intimidated by this religion, clearly you do not belong. The believers resemble those of cults all over the world, and make daily sacrifices to thier patron goddess. Not for the faint of heart, only the awesome need join.
"In the practice of Sephism, we sacrifice stupid people."
sephism by Jumping Ship June 23, 2009
Being baptized in sap
Are you here for the saptism?
saptism by Ketchup Sandwich May 14, 2018

scaphism 

Death by being coverd in honey and left out in the hot sun.
scaphism is the closest thing to hell people will ever experience.
scaphism by 007heaciousmaterial November 26, 2009

sophisms 

to use mid/post conversation disapproving indications and or 'star making' humour, including-

raising an eyebrow
raising both eyebrows rare
pursing your lips
flicking hair
subtle sarcasm
raw competetiveness
'what a sophism'
'i saw that sophism young lady'
'you and your sophism'
'one more sophism like that and I'll...'
sophisms by wheeler June 7, 2003