The practice of beheading dates back to Greek and Roman times. The Roman Empire used it for its own citizens while crucifying others. Beheading has been traditional in Europe since the Middle Ages. In Scandinavia, it was customary to behead a nobleman by sword (a noble weapon of war), but a commoner by axe. Beheading was abolished in Britain (1747), in Denmark (1892), in Sweden (1902), and in Norway (1905). With the exception of the UK, All European countries that previously beheaded have not totally abolished the death penalty.
