<P> The scourge, or flail, and the crook are the two symbols of power and domination depicted in the hands of Osiris in Egyptian monuments . The shape of the flail or scourge is unchanged throughout history . However, when a scourge is described as a' flail' as depicted in Egyptian mythology, it may be referring to use as an agricultural instrument . A flail was used to thresh wheat, not implement corporal punishment . </P> <P> The priests of Cybele scourged themselves and others . Such stripes were considered sacred . </P> <P> Hard material can be affixed to multiple thongs to give a flesh - tearing "bite". A scourge with these additions is called a scorpion . Scorpio is Latin for a Roman flagrum and is referred to in the Bible: 1 Kings 12: 11: "...My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions" said Rehoboam, referring to increased conscription and taxation beyond Solomon's . The name testifies to the pain caused by the arachnid . Testifying to its generous Roman application is the existence of the Latin words Flagrifer' carrying a whip' and Flagritriba' often - lashed slave' . According to the Gospel of John, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, ordered Jesus to be scourged . </P> <P> Scourging was soon adopted as a sanction in the monastic discipline of the fifth and following centuries . Early in the fifth century it is mentioned by Palladius of Galatia in the Historia Lausiaca, and Socrates Scholasticus tells us that, instead of being excommunicated, offending young monks were scourged . (See the sixth - century rules of St. Cæsarius of Arles for nuns, and of St. Aurelian of Arles .) Thenceforth scourging is frequently mentioned in monastic rules and councils as a preservative of discipline . Its use as a punishment was general in the seventh century in all monasteries of the severe Columban rule . </P>

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