A Tyrant’s Tool — or Just a Cautionary Tale?
Ultimately, modern day scholars believe that the device — which Italian poet and philosopher Dante referenced in The Inferno — is likely a myth.
But this hasn’t stopped whispers being passed on throughout history about the Brazen Bull’s inventor and his tragic end, as well as other potential victims of the terrible torture device.
According to stories, Perilaus had no use for the device, so he bestowed it to the tyrant Phalaris, who led the Sicilian state of Akragas. Apparently, Phalaris was a cannibal and devoured babies.
A level of depravity that today would necessitate immediate forensic psychological assessment, child protection law, and public health intervention.
Anyway, according to some historical whispers, Phalaris wanted to see how it worked, and so he put Perilaus inside of it and lit a flame beneath it to hear the bull noises.
