Throughout history, various cultures have employed torture devices to punish, extract confessions, or instill fear. Notable examples include the Iron Maiden, a sarcophagus-like device with spikes that would impale the victim, and the Rack, which stretched the body to cause excruciating pain. These devices were often used during times of war or in judicial proceedings. The use of torture devices was prevalent in the Middle Ages, particularly in Europe, where they were seen as a means of enforcing law and order. Over time, societal views on punishment evolved, leading to the decline of such practices and the eventual abolition of torture in many legal systems.