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History teacher says- romans killed themselves by slitting there wrists. i said- not possible with n

(4 posts)

  1. Sophie
    Member

    Okay,
    so, i saw once that without the warm bath water its not possible to bleed to death, as the body isnt designed to bleed out, but will clot.
    My history teacher says that the romans used to kill themselves by slitting there wrists, and would have their friends over, wrap their wrists, every now and then let more come out by unwrapping, then continue partying. (the romans had a loose attitude towards suicide, dont believe it, google it.)
    Now, i dont think this is possible without the warmth of the water, ive heard this from my mums friend who is a doctor, and from a nurse before too. (i had an aunty that attempted and failed, so i feel i know a little more.)
    Am i wrong? lol.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  2. immattj1
    Member

    You said without a bath????????
    Are you serious??????
    THIS IS NOT A PRIMER FOR SUICIDE, CONSIDER THIS AN ANATOMY LESSON.
    Your lower arm has two major arteries delivering blood under arterial pressure. On one side is the brachial artery & on the other is the radial artery. Open one of them up, & without compression, a body will lose a lot of blood in a hurry.
    Most botched suicides happen because the theoretical suicedee cut cross wise (horizontally). Succseeful suicides from slashing have made deep vertical cuts, usually in a zigzagging direction, thus succeeding in opening one or both of the afore mentioned arteries. There is no certain formula, but generally, one you have lost half of your blood, you are beyond the point of return. That is between 2 & 3 quarts (think about it, that is a lot of blood), & a opened artery can dump that much blood in a hurry.

    Admit your error to your history teacher.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  3. izzy
    Member

    Perfect answer above.
    I didn't know a bath was essential for suicide by exsanguination.
    More history...
    Roman baths were a central part of Roman social life, as well as a way for the citizens of Rome to stay healthy. Roman baths were located in almost all Roman cities; most certainly in the largest and most prominent.

    You can see a Roman bath if ever you come to UK - in Bath (the place)
    LOL indeed.
    They also had vomitoriums, but that's another story.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  4. catlover
    Member

    I agree w/ immatj1, w/ the added statement that you also have an ulnar artery. It's on the other side of the radial artery. The brachial artery begins in the upper arm and, just below the elbow, branches into the radial and ulnar arteries.
    It may take longer to bleed out in cold water, but it's still possible to do so. Especially if you actually cut into a major artery. The only function warmth serves is to speed up the process.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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