An upright sarcophagus with a hinged door evoked fear in those who were threatened with being placed inside. The Iron Maiden was often designed to look like a woman on the outside; some were even made to resemble the Virgin Mary. It was the inside that you had to worry about. Small spikes protruded from the back and the door, strategically placed to pierce the eyes and other vital organs, but not long enough to cause instant death. Instead, the victim would be left inside to slowly bleed out over several hours.