Torture, Terrors & Trials: Ancient Justice Uncovered
What if being accused meant you were already doomed? In this gripping episode, we unravel the harrowing realities of justice in ancient times—where pain was often the path to truth. Chapter 10, Ancient Punishments, takes you deep into the brutal legal codes of the Israelites, Egyptians, Romans, and early Europeans. From the twisted logic of the Inquisition to the dark horrors beneath the Shadow of Paris, discover how punishment wasn’t just about guilt—it was about power, fear, and control.

The ultimate timeout? Imagine running to a sacred place to escape the law. Join us as we explore the ancient and complex history of Sanctuary.

From biblical cities of refuge and individuals clinging to altar horns, through its adoption in ancient Greece and Rome, we trace how holy sites offered temporary safety. Delve into its formalized role in England, the 40-day limit, the dramatic act of abjuring the realm (choosing exile over facing justice), and the extraordinary powers granted to famous locations like Westminster Abbey.

Discover the constant struggle between religious privilege and royal power, the crimes people sought refuge for, and how this fascinating system eventually faded away. Was it a lifeline for the innocent, or a shield for criminals?

Tune in to unpack this enduring tension between justice and mercy.

Did you know that for centuries in England, your ability to recite a single Bible verse could save you from the gallows? Join us for a deep dive into the bizarre and fascinating legal history of "benefit of clergy". We'll unpack how this started as an exemption for ordained priests, morphed into a literacy test with the infamous "neck verse", and reveals a tangled web of church influence, social hierarchies, and evolving ideas about law. Discover who could claim this strange privilege, who couldn't, and why it existed for so long. We'll explore the power struggles between church and crown, the surprising application of this medieval concept in colonial America – even during the lead-up to the Revolution – and why this unequal system eventually faded away.

Was benefit of clergy a step towards justice or a symbol of profound inequality? Listen now to explore this historical quirk and consider its faint echoes in today's legal landscape.

Series Study Guide available on Amazon