During the feudal era, ancient people employed various methods to punish enemy soldiers who were defeated in battle. Among these, execution was deemed the most brutal.
According to many historical records, execution could involve methods such as being buried alive, hanging, or beheading. Additionally, there was another method known as “khanh sát”, which is considered the cruelest among the aforementioned forms of killing. So, what exactly is “khanh sát”? Why did soldiers shudder at the mere mention of this term, to the point of having “pale faces devoid of blood”?
Many believe that “khanh sát” is simply another term for burial alive. In reality, ancient people did not use the term “khanh sát” to refer to this act.
Many misunderstand that “khanh sát” is a form of burial alive. (Illustrative photo: Sohu).
To better understand what “khanh sát” entails, let’s begin with the method used to carry out this punishment for defeated soldiers. The most well-known execution method termed “khanh sát” was orchestrated by Bai Qi (? – 257 BC), a general during the Warring States period of the Qin Dynasty, who achieved numerous victories over vassal states, paving the way for Qin Shi Huang to unify China.
Bai Qi is regarded as a brilliant military leader. Notably, he never employed standard military tactics. It can be said that once Bai Qi commanded troops, victory was inevitable; nothing could stand in his way. The most notable battle in Bai Qi’s career was the significant Battle of Changping, where Qin forces besieged 450,000 Zhao troops. The Zhao general at that time was Zhao Kuo, who, due to his inexperience, was decisively defeated by Bai Qi.
The two figures who made this form of punishment widely known are Wang Mang and Bai Qi. (Illustrative photo: Sohu)
The Records of the Grand Historian by Sima Qian notes that due to the overwhelming number of Zhao soldiers surrendering, Bai Qi feared he could not manage them all, so he conspired with his deputy, Wang Han, to execute them all. To deceive the Zhao troops, he ordered them to merge with the Qin forces, providing food and water, and stated that the next day they would select soldiers, granting weapons to those who were strong enough to fight while sending the elderly and fearful back home. Subsequently, Bai Qi issued a secret order for his troops to cover their heads with white cloth; those who did not comply would be executed.
Following this command, the Qin troops acted unanimously. Over 450,000 Zhao soldiers met their demise in a single night. Bai Qi collected the skulls of the Zhao soldiers and piled them within the Qin fortifications, now referred to as Skull Mountain.
The second individual who popularized the punishment known as “khanh sát” was Wang Mang. Wang Mang was a powerful minister during the Han Dynasty. He orchestrated a rebellion, usurping the Han throne to become the sole emperor of the Xin Dynasty, interrupting the Han period in Chinese history.
“Khanh sát” is actually a method of killing, then using the bodies and heads to construct a tall tower. (Illustrative photo: Sohu)
According to records, after the rebellion, Wang Mang ordered the execution of those who opposed him. In his edict, Wang Mang specified a method: first, to kill these individuals, then to use their bodies along with earth to construct a tower, atop which a flag six feet high would be planted to intimidate the enemy.
From this, we can understand that “khanh sát” refers to a tall tower built from the heads or bodies of enemies. It can also be said that this was the highest form of punishment for adversaries, and the method of execution was distinct from burial alive.
