Execution by burning

Death by burning (also known as burning alive or burning to death) is death brought about by combustion. As a form of capital punishment, burning has a long history as a method in crimes such as treason, heresy, and witchcraft. According to the Talmud, the “burning” mentioned in the Bible was done by melting lead and pouring it down the convicted person’s throat, causing immediate death. The particular form of execution by burning in which the condemned is bound to a large stake is more commonly called burning at the stake. Death by burning fell into disfavour among governments in the late 18th century. If the fire was large (for instance, when a large number of prisoners were executed at the same time), death often came from carbon...