Beheading

Beheading

When it comes to death by beheading, the guillotine is probably the most famous machine used. The 18th Century French implement swiftly damaged the spine, eliminating all sensation before quickly severing the heads of the prisoners - thanks largely to gravity and a heavy blade.

While the guillotine hasn't been used since 1977 - France outlawed the death penalty in 1981 - beheadings still occur in some parts of the world, and they have taken a significant step back in regard to humane practices. 

Saudi Arabia is probably the biggest modern proponent of beheadings. In 2016, the authoritarian regime committed 47 executions in just one day.

Saudi prisoners are sometimes given a sedative before being brought to a public square, where they are killed before an audience with one lop from a sword.