Legal Definitions - pedis abscissio

PEDIS ABSCISSIO

Pedis abscissio is a Latin term that means "cutting off a foot." It was a historical punishment used to punish offenders by cutting off their foot.

One example of pedis abscissio is the punishment given to the Roman general, Marcus Licinius Crassus, who was defeated in battle by the Parthians. The Parthians poured molten gold into his mouth, symbolizing his thirst for wealth, and then cut off his foot.

Another example is the punishment given to slaves in ancient Rome who attempted to escape. They would have their foot cut off as a deterrent to others who might try to escape.

Pedis abscissio was a brutal punishment that was used to deter people from committing crimes. The examples illustrate how this punishment was used in different historical contexts. In both cases, the punishment was meant to be a public spectacle, to show others what would happen if they committed similar crimes. The punishment was also meant to be a form of humiliation, as the offender would be permanently disfigured and disabled.