A Day In The Life Of A Medieval Executioner

The video explores the multifaceted role of executioners in medieval times, focusing on their duties beyond executions, such as upholding justice, serving as medical professionals, and acting as spiritual guides. It highlights the life of Franz Schmidt, a 16th-century executioner, and delves into the daily challenges and moral responsibilities of the profession. The narrative also covers the execution process, interactions with prisoners, and the role of clergy in preparing the condemned for their final moments. Execution is portrayed as a public spectacle with moral implications, serving as a deterrent and reaffirming authority.

What is a common misconception about executioners?

• They upheld justice.

• They only executed people.

• They were also spiritual guides.

• They served as medical professionals.

How did the executioner's father become involved in the profession?

• He inherited it from his father.

• He volunteered for the job.

• He was trained by a professional.

• He was chosen by a magistrate.

What was the executioner's role in the community despite the nature of their job?

• They were ignored by the authorities.

• They were shunned by everyone.

• They were feared by all.

• They were respected for their piety.

What was the executioner's role in relation to the condemned's health?

• To ensure they were healthy enough for execution.

• To provide them with medical treatment post-execution.

• To ignore their health.

• To prevent them from receiving any medical care.

How did the executioner ensure the condemned was ready for their final day?

• By isolating them from everyone.

• By allowing them to escape.

• By working with the clergy to prepare them spiritually.

• By ignoring their spiritual needs.

What was the purpose of the final meal for the condemned?

• To provide them with a last chance to escape.

• To calm them and make them less resistant.

• To make them more resistant.

• To celebrate their life.

Why were executions considered theatrical events?

• They were meant to entertain the crowd.

• They were intended to convey moral lessons.

• They were a way to recruit new executioners.

• They were a form of punishment for the executioner.

What was the executioner's responsibility during the execution?

• To delay the execution as long as possible.

• To ensure a clean and precise execution.

• To allow the crowd to decide the method of execution.

• To entertain the crowd.

What could happen if an executioner failed to perform their duty correctly?

• They would be imprisoned.

• They would be given another chance.

• They would be fined.

• They could be forced to take the place of the condemned.

What was the executioner's future after retirement?

• He became a farmer.

• He continued as an executioner.

• He became a medical consultant.

• He lived in obscurity.