History of Ransom in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2026

Ransom, a novel by David Malouf, reimagines a pivotal moment from Homer's Iliad. The story centers on King Priam of Troy, who, driven by a vision, defies tradition to seek out Achilles, the man who killed his son, Hector. Disguised as a simple traveler and accompanied by a humble carter named Somax, Priam embarks on a transformative journey to retrieve Hector's body for a proper burial. Through this quest, Malouf explores profound themes of grief, human connection, and the limits of power. The narrative strips away the mythic layers of the Trojan War, humanizing both the king and the warrior. As Priam confronts the man who devastated his family, the story emphasizes the necessity of empathy and the shared vulnerability inherent in the human condition. Ultimately, Ransom is a poignant meditation on mortality and the possibility of reconciliation amidst the brutality of war.

1952: Early cinematic portrayal of the ransom note effect

In 1952, the film The Atomic City utilized the technique of creating a ransom note from clipped letters, marking an early instance of this trope in cinema which helped popularize the 'ransom note effect'.

1964: Commencement of the Freikauf Program

Starting in 1964, the West German government initiated a program known as Freikauf to ransom political prisoners from East Germany, a practice that continued until 1989.

1987: Theft and Ransom Demand for Juan Perón's Remains

In 1987, criminals breached the tomb of former Argentinian president Juan Perón, stole his severed hands, and subsequently demanded a ransom of $8 million US for their recovery. The authorities refused to pay the ransom, and the remains were not returned through this demand.

1989: Conclusion of the Freikauf Program

By 1989, the Freikauf program, which had facilitated the release of 33,755 political prisoners since 1964, officially came to an end.

1990: Financial Valuation of Freikauf Payments

In 1990, the total payments made by West Germany for the release of prisoners were calculated at approximately $2.3 billion, based on the historical payment of over 3.4 billion DM.