Burning at the stake 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This execution method , used mostly for people accused of witchcraft or heresy , was used in two different methods . The first one,most commonly depicted , consisted of using a heap of faggots with a wooden stake on top where the unfortunate prisoner was attached with chains and ropes . The Spanish Inquisition preferred this method as it had the highest visual impact on the public.
The other method , mostly used especially on witches , consisted of tying the condemned on a pole and heaping up the faggots around him, so that he died inside of the flames . It is said that Joan of Arc died at such a stake, despite the popular depictions showing her on top of the burning heap.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sometimes the executioner used the "retentum" just before setting fire to the stake , in doing so he quickly strangulated the victim with a rope so that the fire just burned an already dead body. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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