The Apega of Nabis

By Crusader1307

The ''Apega of Nabis'' was a Torture device ''invented'' by Spartan King Nabis (2nd Century BC). The device was similar to the dubious ''Iron Maiden'' of European infamy. Nabis had constructed a large human appearing figure of wood and iron. Made to resemble a female, He ordered it clothed as such. The ''Iron Apega'' (as it was also known), was used as a means of enticing rebellious Nobles to pay huge taxes in tribute, as a means of The King's support. Traditionally, The King would invite these Nobles to a great banquet, in which wine flowed copiously. After getting them intoxicated, The King would again solicit fund from them. If they still refused, He would ''send them to His Wife'' (the device), to explain themselves. Making the Victim ''hug'' the device, The King would activate pullies that caused the ''arms'' of the device to ''hug them back''. However, inside the extensions of the arms of the figure was sharpened iron spikes, which dug into the back and sides of the victim. The more pressure applied, the more they penetrated. In was also said that such extensions and sharpened blades made up the chest or breast of ''His Wife''. If the Nobles finally relinquished, they were set free – to hopefully recover. If not, they died. Obviously, The King only had to use The Iron Apega a few times to gain control of The Nobles ''purses''.