Weird History Facts

Elephants were often used as a symbol of royal authority and were often employed to torment captives in public executions.
2000 Years of Death By Elephant

In ancient Mesopotamia, human sacrifice was considered an ordinary practice that was to be followed by its residents. The Royal Cemetery of Ur is host some of the most magnificent series of tombs where we can see the evidence of how human sacrifice was practiced there by the people.
Ritual Sacrifices in Mesopotamia Culture - 3100 BC

The ceremonial slaughter practices of human beings to give tribute to Gods, supernatural entities, and forefathers is what human ritual sacrifice is all about. While these brutal killings have occurred in numerous civilizations throughout history, ancient Chinese culture was unique due to the intensity with which it occurred, and the hordes of people massacred.
Human Ritual Sacrifice in Ancient China