General Question

yaujj48's avatar

Is there death squads before the 20th century?

Asked by yaujj48 (1189points) November 8th, 2021

Death squad is basically a group whose primary activity is extrajudicial killings, basically they are a local mercenary group. The notable example is the Cracha Preto from Max Payne 3.

To the question itself, I was wondering whether there are death squads before the 20th century like antiquity, medieval and early modern period. Most of the examples I saw are usually in the 20th century. I am just curious whether they exist in the form of militia.

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8 Answers

Smashley's avatar

Absolutely, in one form or another. Extermination of opposition has been a theme throughout history, at least since the period of empires. This tends to take the form of pillaging, cultural destruction, mass rape, forced conversion, slavery and yes, roving bands of killers. Most empires have used liberal amounts of terror and violence to keep people in line, or just wipe them out.

yaujj48's avatar

@Smashley When you said “roving bands of killers”, I think murder hobos from D&D can be considered death squad.

janbb's avatar

Lynchings were extra-judicial murders by mobs.

Jaxk's avatar

Quantrill’s Raiders Are the first example that came to mind.

kritiper's avatar

No doubt! Since Cain and Abel. It is only logical. North American Indians did it, and probably other native tribes from all around the world. Vikings did it. Soldiers in the American Revolution and Civil War did it.

Dutchess_III's avatar

Like….The Crusades?

yaujj48's avatar

@kritiper You got a point, raiding can be considered death squad action since they usually do hit and run tactic and involve mostly in killing many of your enemies. Time really moves forward and nothing changes

RocketGuy's avatar

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

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