Apega of Nabis

Nabis would control the machine through hidden devices until the victim agreed to pay a tribute or to the point of death.

The Greek historian Polybius (203–120 BC, author of The Histories) further described the real Queen Apega as a female ruler who ruled Sparta like a Hellenistic queen, similar to Cleopatra and Arsinoe, because she "received men at court alongside her husband."

Polybius also mentioned that she was a woman who knew how to dishonor men by humiliating women belonging to the families of male citizens.

Both Nabis and Apega brought suffering and violence to their subjects by stealing their wealth and valuables.

[3] The historical Apega was described as a Spartan woman who had exceeded her husband's viciousness and wielded power to satisfy her own greed.