The Brutal Spectacle: Execution By Cannon In 1890s Shiraz, Iran

Dr. Alba Bayer DVM 18 Jun 2025

A Glimpse into Brutality: The Spectacle of Execution by Cannon

**Throughout the annals of human history, countless methods of capital punishment have been devised, each reflecting the societal norms, technological capabilities, and often, the brutal realities of its time. Among these, few methods evoke as much visceral horror and disbelief as "blowing from a gun," or execution by cannon. While this method was practiced in various parts of the world, its use in places like Shiraz, Iran, during the 1890s, offers a chilling insight into a specific historical period and region.** This article delves into the grim history of this particular form of execution, exploring its origins, its most notorious applications, and the specific context of its reported use in 19th-century Iran. The very phrase "execution by cannon" conjures images of unimaginable violence and public spectacle. It was a method designed not just to kill, but to utterly obliterate, leaving little behind but a scattered, bloody testament to power and retribution. While it might seem like a relic of a distant, barbaric past, its practice extended well into the modern era, with documented instances occurring as late as the early 20th century. Understanding this practice requires confronting uncomfortable truths about human history and the lengths to which societies have gone to enforce their will.

Historical Roots: A Global Practice

The concept of using a cannon for execution, a method known as "blowing from a gun," was not unique to any single region or empire. Its origins can be traced back centuries, evolving alongside the invention and proliferation of artillery. As early as the 16th century, the Mughal Empire on the Indian subcontinent was reportedly using this method. It is widely believed that blowing people from a cannon as a method of execution was an “old Mughal punishment,” signifying its deep roots in the region's historical practices of justice and retribution. The method's reach extended beyond the Indian subcontinent. Portuguese colonialists, known for their brutal expansion and control across vast territories, also adopted this form of execution. From as early as 1509, they utilized it across their sprawling empire, from Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) to Mozambique and even to Brazil. This widespread adoption by different powers across various continents highlights that while horrific, it was a recognized, albeit extreme, tool in the arsenal of imperial and state control. The longevity of its use, spanning from the 16th century until the 20th century, underscores its perceived effectiveness as a deterrent and a means of demonstrating absolute power.

The British East India Company and the 1857 Rebellion

While "blowing from a gun" had a long and varied history, its most prominent and infamous association emerged during the era of British colonial rule in India. It was under the British East India Company’s rule that ‘blowing from a cannon’ became synonymous with harsh, often disproportionate, punishment. This period saw the method evolve from a general means of execution to a specific tool of colonial suppression, particularly in the wake of widespread dissent and rebellion.

A Symbol of Harsh Punishment

The British, in their efforts to maintain control over the vast and diverse Indian subcontinent, often resorted to extreme measures to quell any signs of rebellion or insubordination. The spectacle of an execution by cannon was not merely about ending a life; it was a powerful, terrifying display designed to instill fear and deter others from challenging colonial authority. The sheer brutality and public nature of the execution served as a stark warning, intended to break the spirit of resistance and enforce absolute obedience. The method became a symbol of the ruthlessness with which the British were willing to defend their imperial interests.

The Aftermath of the Indian Rebellion of 1857

The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, marked a turning point in the history of British India. This widespread uprising challenged British rule like never before, leading to a brutal crackdown by the colonial forces. In the aftermath of the rebellion, the British extensively used "blowing from a gun" to execute rebels and Indian sepoys accused of desertion. This was not an isolated incident but a systematic application of extreme force. Historical accounts and records indicate that this method was employed against those found guilty of rebellion or desertion, serving as a swift and horrifying punishment. The British saw it as an effective way to deal with large numbers of captured rebels, while simultaneously sending an unmistakable message to the wider population about the futility of resistance. The trauma inflicted by these executions resonated deeply within Indian society, leaving a lasting scar on the collective memory of colonial oppression.

The Grisly Mechanics: How "Blowing from a Gun" Worked

The procedure of "blowing from a gun" was as straightforward as it was horrifying, designed to ensure immediate and catastrophic bodily destruction. The condemned prisoner was generally tied to a gun, typically a field cannon, with the upper part of the small of his back resting directly against the muzzle. This precise positioning was crucial for the intended effect. Once the gun was fired, the explosive force of the cannonball or grapeshot, contained within the barrel and directed outwards, would utterly obliterate the human body. Descriptions from the period paint a vivid, albeit gruesome, picture of the immediate aftermath. George Carter Stent, a British official with the Chinese Maritime Customs in the 1870s, provided a chilling account of the procedure: "When the gun is fired, his head is seen to go straight up into the air some forty or fifty feet." The force was so immense that the body parts would be flung in different directions, demonstrating the sheer destructive power of the cannon. Stent further described: "The arms fly off right and left, high up in the air, and fall at, perhaps, a hundred yards distance." The lower extremities, often less affected by the direct blast from the muzzle, would simply drop: "The legs drop to the ground beneath the muzzle of the gun." And the body itself? "And the body is literally blown into a constellation of pain, the head dropping neatly in front." This graphic description leaves no doubt about the method's purpose: not just death, but complete and utter dismemberment, leaving no recognizable remains and serving as a stark, unforgettable warning to onlookers.

The Unseen Horrors: Beyond the Initial Blast

While the immediate impact of execution by cannon was undeniably brutal, the horror did not end with the firing of the gun. The method was inherently messy and public, designed to be a spectacle, but one with unintended and equally gruesome consequences for those who witnessed it and for the environment surrounding the execution site. The very nature of the explosion meant that the violence extended beyond the condemned.

A Public Spectacle with Gruesome Consequences

Executions throughout history were often public affairs, intended to serve as deterrents and demonstrations of state power. "Blowing from a gun" was no exception. However, unlike hanging or beheading, the sheer explosive force of a cannon meant that the immediate vicinity became a zone of extreme danger. The spray of blood, bone, and grapeshot often injured spectators, turning them from passive observers into unwitting participants in the macabre event. This uncontrolled splatter meant that the horror was not confined to the victim but extended to those who came to witness the punishment, making the experience even more terrifying and unpredictable. The psychological impact on these witnesses, forced to endure such a horrific and physically dangerous spectacle, would have been profound and long-lasting.

Attracting Scavenging Animals

Adding another layer to the post-execution horror was the inevitable consequence of the dismembered remains. The scattered body parts, left exposed in the open, would naturally attract scavenging animals. This grim aftermath further underscored the barbarity of the method, turning the execution site into a scene of further degradation and decay. The inability to collect and respectfully bury the remains, due to their widespread dispersal, denied the condemned any semblance of dignity in death and left a lingering, unsettling presence in the landscape. This aspect of the execution highlights the complete dehumanization intended by the method, reducing the individual to mere fragments to be consumed by nature.

Execution by Cannon in Shiraz, Iran: A Specific Context

While the method of "blowing from a gun" is most closely associated with British colonial rule in India, it was, as noted, a global phenomenon. Its reported use in Shiraz, Iran, circa 1890s, provides a crucial specific example of this brutal practice outside the Indian subcontinent. Execution by cannon was a rare and brutal form of capital punishment historically used in parts of Asia, including Iran. This indicates that while not as widespread or systematically documented as in British India, the knowledge and application of this method existed within the Persian sphere. The presence of such a method in 19th-century Iran speaks to the broader historical context of capital punishment in the region. Iran, like many other nations, had a long history of employing various forms of execution, often public and severe, to maintain social order and assert political authority. The 1890s in Iran were a period of significant internal political dynamics and external pressures, with the Qajar dynasty facing challenges and striving to maintain control. In such an environment, extreme forms of punishment, even if rare, could have been employed as a means of deterring dissent or punishing serious crimes. The fact that "execution by cannon in Shiraz, Iran, 1890s" is specifically mentioned suggests that this was a notable event or practice, even if not as frequent as in other regions. It underscores the global reach of this particular method of capital punishment, demonstrating that the invention of the cannon, once made, was inevitably adapted for the most extreme purposes across diverse cultures and political landscapes. The image of a prisoner tied to a cannon in Shiraz in the late 19th century serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of justice and power during that era.

The Decline and Abandonment of a Brutal Method

Despite its long history and widespread, albeit often sporadic, use across various empires and regions, "blowing from a gun" eventually faded from practice. The method was eventually abandoned after about 300 years of use, marking a gradual shift in societal attitudes towards capital punishment and the evolution of legal and ethical frameworks. The decline of such a brutal method was not sudden but rather a reflection of changing norms, increased humanitarian concerns, and the eventual move towards more "humane" (relatively speaking) forms of execution. As the 20th century dawned, many nations began to re-evaluate their penal codes and methods of punishment. The sheer barbarity and public gruesomeness of execution by cannon became increasingly incompatible with emerging concepts of human rights and judicial process. The very aspects that made it an effective deterrent – its spectacle and destructive power – also made it repugnant to evolving sensibilities. International pressure, the rise of more centralized and codified legal systems, and a general move away from public, physically destructive executions all contributed to its obsolescence. While capital punishment itself persisted in many parts of the world, methods like "blowing from a gun" were relegated to the history books, remembered as extreme examples of state-sanctioned violence.

Reflecting on History: Lessons from a Bygone Era

The history of "execution by cannon, Shiraz, Iran, 1890s," and indeed, the broader history of this method, offers a profound, albeit disturbing, lens through which to view human civilization. It reminds us that throughout history, there have been many execution methods used to condemn people, each telling a story about the society that employed it. The practice of "blowing from a gun" stands out as one of the most shocking, not only for its immediate physical brutality but also for its deliberate public spectacle and the psychological terror it aimed to inflict. Reflecting on such historical practices is crucial. It allows us to appreciate the progress made in legal systems and human rights, even as we acknowledge that capital punishment continues to be a contentious issue globally. The shift away from methods like execution by cannon represents a significant, if slow, evolution in human compassion and the understanding of justice. It underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue about the ethics of punishment, the role of the state, and the inherent dignity of every individual. This exploration of a dark chapter in history serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability, the dangers of unchecked power, and the enduring human quest for more just and humane societies. By understanding the past, even its most uncomfortable aspects, we are better equipped to shape a future where such extreme forms of punishment are confined solely to the history books. What are your thoughts on the historical context of such brutal execution methods? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and consider exploring other historical articles on our site to delve deeper into the fascinating and often challenging tapestry of human history.

Iran Conducts First Known Execution of Prisoner Tied to Nationwide

Iran Carries Out Second Execution Linked to Protests - The New York Times

The People Executed In Iran in Monthslong Protest Crackdown - The New

RealTime Reports