The Catherine Wheel, also known as the Breaking Wheel, was one of the most infamous torture and execution devices used throughout medieval Europe. Named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who was condemned to die by this method, the device consisted of a large wooden wheel to which the victim was tied or strapped. Executioners would then use hammers or iron bars to systematically shatter the limbs of the condemned, often weaving the broken body through the spokes. Death could take hours—or even days—making it not only a method of punishment but a gruesome public spectacle meant to deter crime and reinforce authority. In some variations, the wheel was hoisted on a pole for all to see, leaving the body exposed as a stark warning.
The Catherine Wheel was used to execute criminals and other accused people since the times of antiquity, although its use became more widespread during medieval times. In some instances, the wheel continued to be used even after medieval times.
This torture device is often associated with Saint Catherine of Alexandria. While the practice was prevalent throughout Europe, it was particularly popular in France and Germany.
History of the Catherine Wheel
The history of the Catherine Wheel can be traced back to antiquity when it was used as a torture device for capital punishment. References to The Wheel are also found in the works of the sixth-century author Gregory of Tours.
During the reign of the Holy Roman Empire, the punishment of the Wheel was mainly reserved for men who were convicted of aggravated murder. The punishment remained common throughout medieval times but began to be abandoned with the beginning of the early modern era.
Catherine Wheel Names
The Catherine Wheel was also known as the Breaking Wheel since it was a device used to break the bones of the accused and crush them to death. Sometimes it was also known simply as “the wheel” and the people who faced torture and death through this device were said to be “broken on the wheel”.
How did the Catherine Wheel Work?
The Catherine Wheel consisted of a large wooden wagon wheel that consisted of several radial spokes. A condemned person was lashed to the wheel and a club or iron cudgel was used to beat their limbs. There were several variations of the device and sometimes it also consisted of a wooden cross.
The victim’s body, after his death, could also be displayed on the wheel. Sometimes it was a very slow and painful death and people could live for as many as four whole days before finally dying. This happened with a Jewish man named Bona Dies who was reportedly “broken on the Catherine Wheel” in 1348.
Catherine Wheel Punishment
The condemned on the Catherine Wheel could face the prolonged torture and in some cases, victims lived for several days. Alternatively, the torture victim could face a quick death through the blows delivered to his chest and stomach by the executioner. These blows were known as the “coups de grace” and resulted in the quick death of the condemned. The exact mechanism of the Catherine Wheel also varied from one country to another.
Catherine Wheel Summary
The Catherine Wheel was one of the most commonly used torture devices during medieval times and was also known as the Breaking Wheel. It was used to crush the limbs and bones of the condemned and often caused prolonged torture spanning multiple days.
The device was popular throughout medieval Europe, although it was more common in Germany and France. A similar device was used in ancient times and the wheel also remained in use after the end of medieval times.
What was the Catherine Wheel used for in medieval times?
The Catherine Wheel was a brutal torture and execution device used to punish criminals, especially those convicted of serious offenses like murder or treason. Victims were tied to a large wooden wheel and bludgeoned or broken limb by limb.
How did the Catherine Wheel work?
The victim was fastened to the wheel, and the executioner would strike their limbs with a heavy object, often breaking bones before leaving the body exposed to die slowly, sometimes in public view.
Why is it called the Catherine Wheel?
It is named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who, according to legend, was sentenced to die on a breaking wheel, though the device miraculously broke before it could harm her.
Was the Catherine Wheel used across all of Europe?
Yes, it was used in various European countries during the Middle Ages and early modern period, particularly in France and Germany as a form of capital punishment.
Is the Catherine Wheel still used today?
No, the Catherine Wheel is no longer used. It remains a historical example of extreme medieval torture and execution practices, and is often referenced in discussions of historical justice systems.
