Mutilation as Punishment in Zahava



Mutilation was a common method of punishment for criminals in the Imperium but it also has a role in the empire's political life. Some disfigurements practiced bore a secondary practical rationale as well. In times of antiquity maiming a political opponent would prevent them from being able to conduct any military service, which at the time was critical, and necessary for those seeking political advancement.

Additionally, it is believed that having physical punishment for offenses carried out during ones life may save the soul from having to endure any punishment in the afterlife. Exceptions for this rule would include wounds sustained in battle or in the defense of a member of the Imperial family.

Mutilation could also be seen as an act of mercy, where a sentence of death would be typically handed out a Primogenitor wishing to be viewed as merciful may instead order for the condemned to be mutilated or branded. In extreme cases it was not uncommon to have male political rivals castrated, this would result in both the practical sense, a castrated man can have no heirs, and would severely harm the recipients social standing. A castrated man was no longer seen as a man, making it extremely difficult for them to rally any sort of support to them.

Mutilation of limbs was also common punishment, forcing a thief or other such criminal to become a beggar or face likely starvation.

Branding is another common form of punishment for various crimes, typically repeat offenders. Historically the most common form of branding involved the branding of runaway slaves, which were commonly branded on their foreheads due to the inability to adequately conceal this area of the body when branded. Other branding involved the branding of criminals who had been condemned to work in mines or as gladiators.

The most severe forms of mutilation are typically reserved for persons whom have harmed, or attempted to harm, a member of the imperial family. In these instances the mutilation involves the removal of all sensation organs and sometimes the removal of entire limbs. Such was the punishment for Alcander, a nephew to the Emperor, whom, after being found by imperial guards attempting to strangle emperor Gelasius' son in the Palace gardens was blinded, made deaf, had his hands and feet cut off, his tongue removed and penis amputated before being made to beg naked by one of the palace gates, several days later, Alcander was beaten and eventually dragged to death through the streets of Arcanium by a mob.