Man Who Invented Most Painful Torture Device In History Was The First Victim Of It

The Inventor Who Fell Victim to His Own Creation

Inventors often hope their creations will bring them fame and recognition. But for Perilaus of Athens, his invention led to a horrifying twist of fate.

The Brazen Bull: A Gruesome Invention

In the 6th century BC, Perilaus designed the Brazen Bull, a hollow bronze sculpture shaped like a bull. Its purpose? Torture and execution. Victims were locked inside, and a fire was lit beneath the bull, roasting them alive. To make it even more horrifying, pipes near the bull’s mouth transformed the victim’s screams into sounds resembling a bull’s roar.

Perilaus presented his invention to Phalaris, the notoriously cruel tyrant of Akragas in Sicily, hoping to impress him. But his plan didn’t go as expected.

A Deadly Demonstration

When Perilaus showcased the Brazen Bull, Phalaris asked him to demonstrate how it worked. Trusting the tyrant, Perilaus climbed inside. To his shock, Phalaris locked the door and lit a fire beneath the device. Perilaus became the first person to experience the torture he had designed.

Fortunately for Perilaus, Phalaris stopped short of letting him die in the bull. However, the tyrant’s mercy didn’t last long. After pulling Perilaus out, he ordered him to be thrown off a hill to his death.

A Grim Reminder of History’s Cruelty

Perilaus likely imagined his invention would earn him rewards and recognition. Instead, it became the instrument of his downfall. The Brazen Bull remains a dark symbol of human cruelty, reminding us of the horrific lengths people have gone to in the name of power and punishment.

Sometimes, the pursuit of fame comes with unexpected consequences—and for Perilaus, it was the ultimate price.