The Spanish garrote, an execution method using an iron collar tightened by a screw, became a notorious form of capital punishment in Spain and its colonies by 1500. This method was associated with the Inquisition and was often used for those accused of heresy or serious crimes. The garrote's use reflects the intersection of justice, culture, and power in Spanish history, illustrating the brutal measures employed to maintain authority.

The Spanish garrote execution method, prevalent in the 1500s, was depicted in literature that addressed themes of colonial justice and moral dilemmas. Poets explored the implications of mechanical death and empire, reflecting societal tensions and the ethical questions of their time.