Scaphism

Scaphism (from Greek σκάφη, meaning "boat"), also known as the boats, is reported by Plutarch in his Life of Artaxerxes as an ancient Persian method of execution. He describes the victim being trapped between two small boats, one inverted on top of the other, with limbs and head sticking out, feeding them and smearing them with milk and honey, and allowing them to fester and be devoured by insects and other vermin over time. Plutarch's report originates from a source considered dubious. Historical descriptions The first mention of scaphism is Plutarch's description of the execution of the soldier Mithridates, given as punishment by king Artaxerxes II for taking the king’s valor and claiming to be the one who killed his brother Cyrus the Younger, who had rebelled in an attempt to claim...