Today’s Upside-Down Yet Truly Morbid Fact!
Some refinements emerged during the history of crucifixion. The victim might be attached upside-down to the cross. While this might appear even more callous it in fact was a blessing as the sufferer swiftly lapsed into a state of unconsciousness.
Happily, crucifixion was abolished by the Roman emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD. It was still used in France, however, until at least 1127 when Louis the Bulky insisted that Bertholde, the killer of Charles the Righteous, be crucified. Jews and heretics were amongst those most likely to find themselves on French crosses.
Not *fat*, bulky!!
Culled from: The History of Punishment and Torture
Suicide Du Jour!
Photographer: Howatt.
12-16-1935
Film star Thelma Todd was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in the front seat of an automobile, which was parked in the garage of film director and producer Roland West, within walking distance of the Malibu café owned by Todd. She had been reported in “cheerful” spirits earlier in the evening at a party, where she had spoken animatedly of future film projects, and police considered her death suspicious. The final ruling was suicide.
Culled from: Scene of the Crime: Photographs from the LAPD Archive