What is Disembowelment?
[[File:BNMsFr2643FroissartFol97vExecHughDespenser.jpg|thumb|The execution of [[Hugh Despenser the Younger]], who was hanged, drawn and quartered for high treason in 1326]] '''Disembowelment''' is when some or all of the [[Abdomen|belly]] organs are removed. They are usually removed through a horizontal cut across the belly area. Animals and fish are generally disembowelled before being eaten. Disembowelment may happen from an accident, but has also been used as a way to hurt or kill someone. Disembowelment has been used as a severe form of [[capital punishment]]. [[Mummification]], especially as practiced by the [[ancient Egyptians]], started with the removal of internal organs before the preservation of the rest of the body. The removed organs were [[Embalming|embalmed]], stored in [[canopic jars]] and then placed in the [[tomb]] with the body. [[Category:Capital punishment]]