For the Romans, killing one’s parents was considered an unforgivable crime

 For the Romans, killing one’s parents was considered an unforgivable crimeFor the Romans, killing one’s parents was considered an unforgivable crime. It was not just a violation of the law, but a rebellion against the natural order that Rome considered the foundation of its society. This thinking is reflected in its horrific punishment.

The criminal was sewn into a leather bag, which was usually accompanied by a dog, a snake, a rooster and a monkey, and then the bag was thrown into the river. Deprived of light, air and every means of escape, the person would die in agony in fear and chaos.

This punishment was full of symbolic meaning. By completely separating the criminal from the world of living humans, Rome declared that he did not deserve land, water and even the right to be buried. It was a judgment that was given not only to destroy the body, but also to destroy honor and dignity.

In the Roman punishment Poena Cullei, animals were not included simply to increase cruelty, but there was a deep symbolic thought behind each animal. The Romans considered it a crime that breaks the entire system of nature, so the punishment was also made “against nature”.

Here are the meanings of these animals:

1. Snake

The Romans considered the snake a symbol of deceit, secret hostility and betrayal.

According to them, the murder of parents was the greatest betrayal, so the snake was a symbol of the criminal’s moral poison.

2. Dog

The dog was a symbol of loyalty, protection and protection of the family.

By putting it in a bag, the message was given that this person had lost both loyalty and humanity.

3. Rooster

The rooster was a symbol of protection and awakening of the home, which dispels the darkness in the morning.

By including it, it was said that this criminal was not capable of light, awakening and moral awareness.

4. Monkey

The Romans considered the monkey a “distorted man”, that is, a man who had lost his original nature.

 It was a symbol of the criminal's corrupt character and his fall from humanity.

Why a closed leather bag?

Its purpose was not just to kill, but to cut the criminal off from the earth, sky, and the world of men:

He would have neither land nor burial, nor honor nor memory.

Rome used to say: This person was no longer a part of society.

Thus, this punishment was not merely a physical but a declaration of the criminal's moral, psychological, and spiritual annihilation.