Peter Sohler THE BEAST WITHIN US The Psychology of Human Cruelty. From Ancient Crucifixions and Animal Cruelty to John Lennon's Killer It spares not even its own children. “ We must look the human beast and the victims in the face in order to truly grasp the atrocities that occurred back then and continue to occur today ” Peter Sohler Imprint ISBN: Foreword “ There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so ” William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) “ There are few uglier traits of human nature than this tendency, which I now witnessed in men no worse than their neighbors, to grow cruel, merely because they possessed the power of inflicting harm.” Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 – 1864) People speak of the "bestial" cruelty of man. But that is very unfair and truly insulting to animals: an animal can never be as cruel as a human being — so sophisticated, so artfully cruel. Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821 – 1881) 3 About the Author Born in 1948, Peter Sohler is an author dedicated to exploring the deepest and most complex facets of history and human psychology. Known for his uncompromising and analytical approach, Sohler turns his gaze toward the dark abysses of human nature; he exam ines how power, ideology, and psychological fractures drive humanity to commit atrocities against fellow human beings, animals, and even children. Bridging the gap between historical events and profound individual psychology, he makes monumental historical truths accessible and compelling to a global audience. *THE BEAST IN US* is his definitive work on the evolution of human cruelty; it illuminates both the macro - historical tragedies of our past and the deeply personal psychological profiles of those who s haped these events. 4 Table of Contents Chapter 1 : The Crucifixion........................... ......... ......... ... ....p. 6 1.1 Why was Jesus C rucified? ......p. 9 Chapter 2 : Bread and Circuses. .................................. ....... .... .p. 10 Chapter 3 : The Aztecs.............................................. ... .. ... . p. 19 Chapter 4 : Columbus the Terrorist.............................. ... ....... ...p. 21 Chapter 5: Vlad III the Impaler. ....................................... ..... .... p. 2 3 Chapter 6: The Vatican and the B loody P ath of the Vicar of Christ on Earth................................................. ... .... ... p. 2 9 6.1 St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre..... p. 3 8 Chapter 7 : Torture..................................................... ... ...... ....p. 3 9 7.1 Guantanamo an d the W hite T orture USA......p. 5 2 Chapter 8 : He Doesn`t Even Spare His Children... ............... ...... .p. 54 8.1 The Hitler Youth and the SS Panzer Division... ......... ...... ..... ...p. 5 5 8.2 Child S oldiers T oday........p. 5 8 Chapter 9 : Castration................................................ .... ... .... .. ..p. 6 2 Chapter 10 : The Beast of Wa r.......................................... ...... ...p. 70 10.1 World War I and the H orror of Verdun .... p. 7 2 10.2: The Herero Massacre....p. 7 6 10.3 World War II, the Holocaust, and the gaze into the abyss ...p. 79 10.4: Japanese war C rimes in W orld War II.....p. 1 57 10.5: US W ar C rimes .....p. 1 76 10.6 Apocalypse Now Hiroshima and Nagasaki .....p. 1 87 10.8: Putin and his W ar C rimes....p. 1 90 10.9: The Hamas Massacre 2023.....p. 1 99 Chapter 11 : Slavery — the C rime of the M illennium............. ... ..... ...p. 201 11.1 Child S laves in the 21st C entury.....p. 212 11.2 Child B rothels......p. 2 19 11.3 Orangutan Brothels ....p. 2 27 Chapter 1 2 : Beasts Who Made History 12.1 Jack the Ripper ....p. 229 12.2 The Zodiac Killer....p. 237 12. 3 Friedrich Heinrich Karl Haarmann, the Butcher. p. 25 2 12.4 Juergen Bartsch, the Child Murderer ... ... p. 25 5 12. 5 John Wayne Gacy, the Killer Clown....p. 2 6 1 12. 6 Anders Behring Breivik, the Mass Murderer...p. 2 6 6 12. 7 Charles Milles Manson and the Death of Sharon Tate...p. 2 70 12. 8 Mark David Chapman and the Day John Lennon Died ..p. 2 7 8 Chapter 13 : When Homo sapiens came to Eden ......... ... ...... .... p. 2 82 13.1 Merciless ...... p. 2 83 Epilogue: Leonardo da Vinci................................. ... ... .... ... ... p. 29 7 5 Chapter 1: The Crucifixion In the Roman Empire, slaves were primarily crucified to deter other slaves from escaping or committing other offenses. Rebels, especially in conquered territories, were also executed in this way. Crucifixion was thus a political punishment used to secure a nd maintain the Pax Romana both domestically and internationally. After the final defeat of the rebellious slave leader Spartacus in 71 BC, around 6,000 of his followers were crucified along the Appian Way from Rome to Capua. In 70 AD, during the Jewish War, the Roman general and later emperor Titus had 500 or more Jews fleeing starvation daily outside the walls of Jerusalem flogged, tortured, and then crucified to weaken the resistance of the besieged. The Roman method of execution by crucifixion was designed to kill the condemned person particularly slowly and cruelly. It could take days for death to occur. The prolonged, agonizing death of the crucified was in tended to humiliate the condemned and intimidate and deter the viewer. 6 Scourging the stripped victim with a whip — often studded with nails — inflicted further torment and humiliation, weakening the body through the physical strain and tension caused by the blows, pain, and blood loss. This process could be fatal in itself and sh ortened the time spent dying on the cross; consequently , the number of lashes was usually limited. Initially, a *furca* — a triangular wooden yoke originally used in agriculture — was frequently employed in Rome. It was placed around the condemned person's neck, and their arms were bound to the yoke's prongs. In t his posture, the victim was scourged and forced to walk from the judgment seat to the execution site. The *furca* and the victim were then suspended from a post driven into the ground. Later, the yoke was replaced by a crossbeam, which was either fitted in to a notch at the top of the post or suspended by a rope from the upper third of the post or from a tree. This gave rise to the two most familiar forms of the cross; arms and legs were bound or nailed to the post and crossbeam. Thus began the actual crucif ixion. Nailing was performed in a manner that minimized blood loss. Anatomical tests indicate that, to support the body's weight, the nails had to be driven not through the palms, but through the carpal bones or the space between the ulna and radius, and t hrough the tarsal bones or the calcaneus (heel bone). The arms were likely secured with the palms facing the crossbeam rather than facing forward, ensuring a firmer hold and restricting arm movement. When the heels were nailed from the side, a cross - piece known as a *sedile* was sometimes added halfway up the post, allowing the crucified person to rest their buttocks intermittently. 7 This also relieved the strain on the crucified person's arms, which were attached to the crossbar, making it easier for him to breathe. Often, the condemned person's feet were placed on a small crossbar so that he would not be immediately dragged downward by his own weight and lose consciousness, or — if his limbs were nailed — lose too much blood. Where this practice was common, it was considered an act of mercy to break the crucified person's feet or lower legs after some time; this deprived him of the abilit y to brace himself, thereby shortening his death throes . Relatives sometimes bribed the executioners to do this. As a result, the victim’s body hung with even greater weight from the nails or ropes securing the arms, causing death to occur more quickly — though more painfully. Hanging upside down was a particula rly cruel method. The crucified person was often given small amounts of liquid via a sponge over the course of several days to prevent premature death from thirst and thus prolong his agony. This liquid was usually water, sometimes mixed with wine vinegar and pain - relieving or anesthetic herbs. In individuals not already weakened, death — caused by suffocation, circulatory collapse, or heart failure — usually occurred within three days. This was preceded by torments such as thirst, gangrene, and spasms of the r espiratory muscles, as well as heatstroke or frostbite, depending on the season. After death had occurred, Roman soldiers would verify that the executed person was truly dead by thrusting a lance into his abdomen. Typically, the body was left hanging on th e cross until, following complete decomposition, the remains fell to the ground. 8 Why was Jesus C rucified? Jesus was accused of acting as the "King of the Jews," an act that was strictly forbidden at the time. Only the Roman Emperor had the authority to appoint someone as king. Jesus was viewed as a political agitator — a type of person punished by death on the c ross in those days. Pontius Pilate was the Roman Emperor's representative. He personally did not want to crucify Jesus, as he considered him relatively harmless and believed that scourging was punishment enough. Pilate gave the people the opportunity to pa rdon Jesus, but they chose the notorious criminal Barabbas instead. Consequently, Pilate released Barabbas and had Jesus crucified. ("I wash my hands of this.") 9 Chapter 2: Bread and Circuses. The Romans devised various ways to entertain the masses. In the Roman Empire, animal hunts — alongside gladiator contests — were a major attraction of the entertainment culture. From the first recorded hunts in 186 BC until the 6th century, hundreds of thousands of animals were killed for the amusement of the masses , particularly in the capital. Events in the Arena Performances always began with the slaughter of animals. Hundreds of thousands were killed; it is estimated that more than a million exotic animals perished in the Colosseum alone. The first recorded animal hunt took place in 186 BC, when Marcus Fulvius No bilior pitted animals against one another during a triumphal celebration. This concept originated in ancient Greece, where this form of entertainment was already known. However, the entertainment value was secondary to the political significance of the gam es. Patriarchal social structures fostered intense competition to win the favor of the common citizens. Consequently, organizers — such as magistrates — often incurred ruinous debt (especially from the 2nd century onwards) in an effort to boost their public po pularity, which was gauged by how much an individual organizer was willing to spend. Rising popularity could help a magistrate climb the career ladder to positions such as praetor or even consul. The costs were then recouped through the additional revenue generated by these higher offices. 10 The Romans took a liking to these spectacles; initially, the animal hunts were held in the Circus Maximus, but they were later moved to amphitheaters such as the Colosseum. Such games were also organized by local benefactors in numerous smaller towns. In L ate Antiquity, however, the right to host them became the exclusive privilege of the emperor and high - ranking state officials, and the events were held only in the largest and most important cities. The types of performances varied widely: alongside the or iginal animal - versus - animal combat, displays featuring animal tamers and exhibitions of animals with unusual characteristics (much like in a modern circus) were introduced. Suetonius records that Gaius Julius Caesar staged animal hunts lasting five days, c ulminating in a battle between two detachments — each consisting of five hundred infantrymen, twenty elephants, and three hundred horsemen. During the late Republic and the Imperial era, organized hunts also emerged; for instance, Nero deployed elite cavalry against hundreds of bears and lions. Finally — and becoming increasingly popular over time — there was the form of execution known as *damnat io ad bestias*, in which the condemned were killed by animals such as lions or elephants. From the very beginning, the animals brought to Rome for these hunts were, as far as possible, exotic and foreign; lions (such as Barbary lions) and panthers, for example, were pitted against one another in the earliest recorded *venationes*. The supply re quired to meet this enormous demand was provided by both the state and independent traders. 11 From the farthest corners of the empire and beyond, animals were brought to Rome, primarily from Africa, the Middle East, and India. Over time, the hunts became ever larger and more expensive. Even under Sulla, 100 lions were released into the arena to be killed by African archers. Pompey had over 700 animals driven into the arena within five days (among them lions, tigers, leopards, but also exotic animals like elephants, ostriches, and antelopes). These hunts reached their zenith during the imperial period. Augustus alone had 3,500 animals appear during his 41 - year reign. Titus sent 5,000 animals for the dedication of the Colosseum, and Domitian, as well as later Commodus, participated in the killin gs themselves. The pinnacle was reached by Trajan, who, in 106 AD, is said to have had 11,000 animals slaughtered in the arena to celebrate his victory over the Dacians. Animal hunts took place both as a accompaniment to gladiatorial combats and independen tly of them. 1 2 The consumption of wild animals was high and correspondingly costly. In the first 100 days following its opening, approximately 9,000 exotic animals were killed in the newly constructed Roman Colosseum. These included elephants, crocodiles, bears, tigers, bulls, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, and lions, which were often forced to fight one another — such as bulls against elephants, lions against leopards, or rhinoceroses against buffaloes. During a subsequent festival, another 11,000 animals were killed. Many species were already on the verge of extinction at that time. (...) With the rise of Christianity, animal - baiting spectacles declined in importance. Although Probus celebrated his triumph in 281 by having around 600 animals killed, Constantine the Great issued the first edict against these spectacles in 325. While the authorities long hesitated to enforce this and subsequent laws in the face of public resistance — as late as 404, a monk was reportedly stoned to death for protesting against the games — the collapse of the Western Roman Empire during the Migration Period, the resulting widespread economic hardship, and the growing influence of Christianity gr adually relegated animal - baiting to a marginal activity. Nevertheless, alongside chariot racing, these events remained significant public spectacles well into the 6th century, serving primarily as a means for rulers to project their power and status. In Rome itself, the last known animal - baiting event took place in 523 under Theodoric the Great. 1 3 Gladiator Contests What a spectacle — a scene of blood, sweat, testosterone, and plenty of bare male skin; a frenzy of slashing and thrusting. The bloodier, the better. Everything was designed to whip the crowd into a state of ecstatic frenzy. Initially, all gladiators were sl aves, prisoners of war, or convicted criminals. Yet, these contests were not chaotic brawls but a highly refined combat sport governed by strict rules. Whether a defeated gladiator — no longer able to fight — lived or received the death blow was decided by the crowd’s verdict. Spectators signaled their choice with a raised or lowered thumb, though the final decision rested with the Emperor. A key feature was the "fair" matching of opponents; fighters were equipped with weapons that balanced out the advantages and disadvantages of their adversary's gear. 1 4 For instance, "Thracians" — who fought with shield and sword — would face off against the *retiarius*, who wielded a net to ensnare his opponent before killing him with a trident. Experienced gladiators with a large following stood a much better chance of being granted clemency by the crowd or the games' organizer if they were defeated in combat; they were highly trained, battle - hardened men, and it was in the audience's own interes t for such experienced fighters to survive, as this ensured exciting matches in the future. Renowned gladiators who won their freedom were awarded a wooden sword and a tombstone, for they enjoyed a status in Roman society comparable to that of modern - day p op stars. However, most were buried anonymously in mass graves. They reached an average age of between 18 and 24. 1 5 Persecution of Christians The term "persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire" refers to a series of measures aimed at suppressing Christianity within the empire. Initially, these actions were spontaneous and confined to local or regional areas; from the third century onwards, however, they became systematic, empire - wide measures ordered by the emperor. Their goal was to halt the growth of the new religion, prevent its integration into the Roman social system, or permanently dismantle its structure. Nero is considered the first persecutor of Christians. The persecution initiated by Nero in 64 AD followed a devastating fire that struck ten of Rome's fourteen districts — primarily the poorer areas, which were built mostly of wood. According to Tacitus, a rumor subsequently arose that the emperor himself had ordered the arson. Nero, in turn, accused the reviled religious minority known as " Christians " of having committed the act. In this context, Tacitus mentions "Christ" and his crucifixion by Pilate, continuing: First, individuals who confessed were arrested, and then, based on their denunciations, a vast multitude was seized. They were convicted not so much of arson as of a gene ral hatred of humanity. Those condemned to death were used for public spectacle: they were clad in animal skins and torn apart by dogs or nailed to crosses and set ablaze to serve as torches after nightfall. 1 6 Nero made his private garden available for this purpose, staged a spectacle there, and — dressed as a charioteer — celebrated the execution of the Christians with the people. In the arena, Christians condemned to death were often merely "animal fodder." Specially bred arena fighting dogs and lions tore them apart while they were still alive. 1 7 Christians experienced the so - called "Constantinian shift" as a breakthrough and a great liberation. Constantine opted for tolerating the Church so that it would support his sole rule as an additional instrument of power. In 313 AD, he and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, granting every Roman citizen the freedom to choose their own religion. The famous passage read: We grant Christians and others the legal authorization to follow whichever religion they wish. The mandatory imperial cult was abolished. Christianity was thus officially placed on an equal footing with the Roman state cults. Furthermore, Constantine restored the Church's property and granted all bishops rights and honors that had previously been reserved for senators and pagan priests. From then on, given the privileges Constantine accorded to Christianity, professing the Christian faith could prove highly advantageous for social advancement. Consequently, many high - ranking state offices — which shaped public life — came to be held by Christians ; as a result, many wealthy and formerly powerful individuals felt compelled to convert to Christianity simply to maintain their power. Among the Roman emperors, there were those who viewed the spectacle of gladiatorial combat and animal slaughter with det achment, alongside those who were great enthusiasts of such events. Nevertheless, these spectacles remained highly popular, as they offered emperors and dignitaries important opportunities to project their status. It was not until the early 5th century AD that the Western Roman Emperor Honorius finally banned these games. 1 8 Chapter 3: The Aztecs The Aztec cult of sacrifice lay at the heart of their religion. It demanded human sacrifice to ensure the sun's continued course and the survival of the world. The Aztecs believed that the universe had originated from the struggle between light and darknes s. Since the gods were mortal — like humans — they had to be nourished by offerings from mankind. Thousands of people were sacrificed annually in these ritual killings to appease the gods. At least thirteen Aztec deities are known to have demanded human sacrif ice. Huitzilopochtli, for instance, was the Aztec god of the sun and war; sacrifices were offered daily to ensure the sun would shine each day. A priest would use a stone knife to make a swift incision below the ribcage and extract the beating heart. The v essels were severed with the blade, and the still - beating heart was held up toward the sun before being placed in an eagle vessel and burned. Statues of the gods were then anointed with the warm blood. Tlaloc was the Aztec god of rain; sacrifices made in h is honor were intended to bring rain. 1 9