Impalement is a method of execution or torture where a sharp object, such as a stake or pole, is driven through a person's body. This gruesome practice has been used throughout history in various cultures as a means of punishment or to instill fear. The victim may be pierced through different parts of the body, often resulting in a slow and painful death. Historically, impalement is most famously associated with figures like Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century ruler known for his brutal methods. It has also appeared in literature and folklore, symbolizing extreme cruelty and barbarism. Despite its historical significance, impalement is now considered a violation of human rights.