The concept of executions serving as a tool for instilling terror can be traced back to the philosophy espoused by Emperor Caligula. He believed that causing fear among the populace ensured control and loyalty, as encapsulated in his notorious phrase, "Oderint dum metuant," meaning "Let them hate us as long as they fear us." This perspective illustrates a brutal approach to governance where fostering dread outweighed the need for genuine support or affection from the people.

In her work, "The Guns of August," Barbara W. Tuchman examines the implications of such a mindset on leadership and social order. The use of fear as a governing strategy often leads to a cycle of oppression, where maintaining power becomes synonymous with instilling unease. This philosophy reflects a broader commentary on the nature of authority and the lengths to which rulers might go to consolidate their reign, underscoring the historical role of fear in shaping human interactions and political landscapes.