The Scariest Prisons in History
Weird History・9 minutes read
Various historical prisons like the Mamertine, Pitesti, and Devil's Island were infamous for their harsh conditions and brutal treatment of prisoners, leading to high mortality rates and severe physical and psychological effects. These prisons, including the Galapagos Islands and Eastern State Penitentiary, highlight the dark history of the penal system and the need for reforms to protect human rights and ensure humane treatment of inmates.
Insights
- The text highlights various historical prisons worldwide, each infamous for its inhumane treatment of inmates, ranging from brutal brainwashing experiments in Pitesti to solitary confinement in Eastern State Penitentiary.
- These accounts shed light on the dark history of prisons, showcasing extreme conditions, high mortality rates, and unethical practices that have led to significant reforms in the treatment of prisoners.
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What were the conditions like in Devil's Island?
Harsh conditions and vampire bat attacks led to a high mortality rate among prisoners on Devil's Island off French Guiana.
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Summary
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Notorious Prisons: Torture, Death, and Despair
- The Mamertine in ancient Rome was an underground jail hosting Saint Peter and Saint Paul, with two floors of cells and bodies disposed of in the sewers.
- Pitesti in Romania conducted brutal brainwashing experiments on prisoners, forcing them to torment each other.
- Urga's town jail in Mongolia housed prisoners in coffin-like boxes, leading to severe atrophy from lack of movement.
- Devil's Island off French Guiana saw a high mortality rate among prisoners due to harsh conditions and vampire bat attacks.
- The HMS Jersey, known as Hell, held American Revolution prisoners in dire conditions, resulting in 11,000 deaths.
- Holmesburg Prison in Philadelphia conducted dangerous drug testing on inmates, leading to federal regulations in 1978.
- The Galapagos Islands served as a penal colony with prisoners forced to build a useless Wall of Tears, causing emotional despair.
- Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia pioneered solitary confinement, later criticized for its psychological impact.
- Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin faced overcrowding, disease, and starvation, with a bloody history including the execution of Irish nationalist leaders.
