Roman and Greek Mythology

[caesar]

Ok people, I'll answer all of your questions in this thread about Roman and Greek Gods, Goddess', legends and facts. Ask away.

[countrygirl5]

Okay I read about a Roman Legend about The Bocca della Verita - The Mouth of Truth. Is it true that if you lie with your hand inside it's mouth it will supposedly chop it off and has anyone ever witnessed it because it sounds quite odd I guess that is why it would be a legend, but I was just wondering if you knew. Oh and what was it used for back around the middle ages and who was it used on?

[caesar]

Well, that is how the legend goes. Most likely, however, the witnesses were drunken plebians who were walking by the Mouth of Truth, and saw a soldier, condemned criminal, or an unlucky soul who had lost their hand. As for the Middle Ages, the Government would take captured spies (or sometimes accused spies) to it and make them answer questions. Like a modern day lie detector....only much more cruel and inhumane. But The Bocca della Verita was used more often to find out who was a witch/warlock and who was innocent. However, the Government could only do so many at a time, so there were other, less accurate methods - tying up a witch and throwing her into a lake or river, for instance.

[countrygirl5]

Thank you for explaining it I just wondered because I thought it was an interesting story.

[caesar]

No problem. I enjoy all of ancient greek/roman history and mythology.