Disembowelment

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 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 embalmed, stored in canopic jars and then placed in the tomb with the body.