In 1854, a house of correction called "La Rotunda [es]" was built to rehabilitate common criminals.[12][13] Under President Juan Pablo Rojas Paúl, La Rotunda was converted into a prison.[12] La Rotunda grew in prominence under the governments of Cipriano Castro and Juan Vicente Gómez between 1900 and 1935, who heavily utilized the prison for political persecution.[12][13] Types of punishment and torture included being placed in stocks, strappado, ball and chain, having a rope tightened around your temple and having poison or ground glass placed into food.[12][13] It was not uncommon that prisoners were tortured or starved to death.[12]