The Breaking Point: The Science and Horror of the Medieval Neck Snap

What does it truly take to snap a human neck? This video dives deep into the unforgiving biomechanics and the gruesome history of execution by hanging.

We go beyond the historical spectacle to deconstruct the scientific terror:

  • The Anatomy: We examine the specific vertebrae (C1 and C2) and the precise forces of torsion required to cause an instantaneous, fatal hangman's fracture.

  • The Executioner's Playbook: Discover the dark medieval justice methods, analyzing the difference between the "short drop" (slow strangulation) and the "long drop" (the attempt at a clean snap).

  • The Failures: Learn why the majority of historical hangings were gruesome failures that led to prolonged, agonizing suffering—not the clean, quick death often portrayed.

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