Discovery Channel reveals the macabre science and engineering genius behind history's machines of malice All-new episodes premiere this February

CEBU, Philippines - This February, Discovery Channel’s series machines of malice looks at mankind's most unkind inventions – machines designed to cause untimely demise. Find out how these death devices work, and why they are often the pinnacle of design. From the heinous Crank Wheel of Ancient Rome to the eerily named Scavenger’s Daughter of the medieval ages to the macabre Skin Peeler from the terrible European Inquisition period, execution, torture and technology come together in the most frightening ways in machines of malice. Brand new episodes premiere every Thursday at 11:00 pm (PHL), starting February 11. Encores on Mondays at 2:00 am and on Fridays at 11:00 am.

 The new episodes of machines of malice reveal the torture technologies of ancient Rome, the Middle Ages and the inquisitions that terrorised Europe between 1200 and 1860. To maintain absolute power and control, various malicious machines were engineered to punish slaves, criminals and others who threatened the reign of power in these times.

In Ancient Rome, the series takes a look at torture devices such as the Human Press, the Crank Wheel and the Tree Tearer, which the Ancient Romans employed to eliminate threats to the Empire. These Roman death machines to prove that “overkill” is sometimes an understatement.

The episode Witches and Heretics explores the engineering behind medieval death machines, including such twisted terrors as the Disembowelment Crank, the Aragon Wheel of Death and the Scavenger's Daughter. And The Inquisition unveils the machines of history's most terrifying tribunal, including the Judas Cradle, the Interrogation Chair and the Skin Peeler – fearsome machinery that was created to coax confessions through painful interrogation processes.

Hear from expert historians, engineers and scientists as they deconstruct these weapons of torture and explain the amazing science, technology, design and engineering utilised in those times, and how some of aspects of these horrendous MACHINES OF MALICE are now part of modern day inventions – ironically, helping society create life-enhancing technologies.

Discovery Channel, the flagship network of Discovery Communications, is devoted to creating the highest quality non-fiction programming in the world and remains one of the most dynamic networks on television. First launched in 1985, Discovery Channel now reaches more than 165 million households in Asia-Pacific. Globally, Discovery Channel is one of the world’s most widely distributed television brands, reaching 371 million households in 175 countries in 35 languages. It offers viewers an engaging line-up of high-quality non-fiction entertainment from blue-chip nature, science and technology, ancient and contemporary history, adventure, cultural and topical documentaries. For more information, visit www.discoverychannelasia.com.