CAT O'NINE TAILS (22-646) by DENIX
So called because it leaves marks like the scratches of a cat, the Cat O' Nine Tails whip consisting of nine knotted cords fastened to a handle, was used in flogging and physical punishment. This replica Cat O' Nine Tails created by Denix of Spain, features 9 knotted leather thongs approximately 2.5 feet in length secured to an 18" leather-wrapped handle. Extends to approx 4 feet overall. For display and decorative use only.

FLAGELLATION
The Roman whips varied from time to time and place to place. It must be remembered the Roman Empire was the dominant world power for around to 600 years! The cat o nine tails is a type of multi tailed whipping device that originally used as an implement for severe physical punishment. Usually made a cow or horse hide, with nine knotted lines. In the Roman Empire, flagellation was often used as a prelude to crucifixion, and in this context is sometimes referred to as scourging. Whips with small pieces of metal or bone at the tips were commonly used. Such a device could easily cause disfigurement and serious trauma, such as ripping pieces of flesh from the body or loss of an eye. In addition to causing severe pain, the victim would be made to approach a state of hypovolemic shock due to loss of blood.The Romans reserved this torture for non-citizens, as stated in the "lex Porcia" and "lex Sempronia", dating from 195 and 123 BC. The poet Horace refers to the "horrible flagellum" (horrible whip) in his "Satires", calling for the end of its use.