Public execution as theatricalized means of influencing society: from New Testament times to modern history

The article deals with the theatricalization of public executions and the social mechanism of their impact (including the role of the Church) on society from the New Testament times to modern history. Based on research results, public execution in this period is considered a national festive occasion characterized by theatricality of action and is a socio-cultural phenomenon. In the study, the authors show how government bodies and the Church use public execution as a regulatory function that can be efficient if the masses are involved in this process in one way or another. To do this, the authors systematize the types of public executions for various reasons. An attempt is made, as far as the format of the article allows, to describe the expressiveness in public punitive events and public executions according to their scripted, directorial, theatricalized and entertainment components as a tool in managing the masses. Special attention is paid to the etymologization of public executions, based on research, primarily by Michel Foucault, and biblical descriptions. The article is based on cultural and historical research into the manifestation of the phenomenon of public execution in the history of mankind. The priority in the analysis is given to European countries in the Middle Ages.