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Murder Crosses
A medieval murder cross near Stargard, in Pomerania, Poland. Murder crosses can be found throughout northern Europe and were especially plentiful in Germany and the parts of Germany which are now located in Poland. They originate from the medieval period of history when murderers were expected under Germanic law to compensate society and the relatives of the killed in some way. In the case of murder crosses the murderer had to prepare and carve the stone with his own hands and carry and install the finished cross in the place where the crime took place. The cross was usually inscribed with a description of the crime and often included a picture of the implement or weapon used in the crime. Murder crosses were also used as part of the punishment for the crime of voluntary manslaughter (Totschlag). Other names: Expiatory cross; Penance cross German Name: Suehnekreuz Useful Links:
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