Crucifixion

Crucifixion is an old way that people were punished and killed. In this method, a person was tied or nailed to a big wooden cross and left there until they died. Some ancient groups, like the Achaemenids, Carthaginians, and Romans, used crucifixion as a punishment.

One of the most well-known examples of crucifixion is the story of Jesus. His crucifixion is very important in Christianity, and the cross is the main symbol of the religion. Because of this, many people around the world think of Jesus and Christian beliefs when they hear about crucifixion. Other Christian figures, like Saint Peter and Saint Andrew, are also said to have been crucified in history.

Even today, a very small number of Christians choose to undergo symbolic, non-harming actions as a way to show their strong faith and devotion. This practice is meant to honor the memory of Jesus and their religious beliefs.

Terminology

The ancient Greeks had different words for crucifixion. These words described tying or nailing someone to a wooden stake.

In the Christian New Testament, the most common Greek word for crucifixion was stauroo.

The English word "cross" comes from the Latin word crux. This word meant any wooden structure used for execution. Over time, it came to mean the cross shape we recognize today. The word "crucifix" also comes from Latin, meaning "to fasten to a cross."

Detail

See also: Instrument of Jesus' crucifixion and Crucifix

In the Roman Empire, crucifixion was a very harsh way to punish people. The cross could look different, sometimes just a single vertical post or with a cross-piece to make a T-shape.

Historians have looked at how people might have died during crucifixion. The time it took could be from a few hours to several days. Some think pain and tiredness were big reasons people died, while others believe it might have been because of health problems or losing fluids.

In very rare cases, people survived crucifixion. The ancient writer Josephus shared a story about three friends taken down from their crosses before they died, although two did not live after receiving medical care.

History

The earliest references to crucifixion appear in ancient texts. Some writers think passages in the Book of Deuteronomy mention this practice, which involved hanging a person’s body on a tree.

Crucifixion was used by many ancient cultures, including the Persians, Athenians, and Carthaginians. For example, the historian Herodotus described how a Persian general was executed by the Athenians around 479 BCE. Later, Alexander the Great crucified many people after capturing the city of Tyre in 332 BCE.

In Ancient Rome, crucifixion was a common way to punish people. It was used for slaves, pirates, and enemies of the state. Victims were often left on display for days as a warning. The Roman emperor Constantine the Great stopped crucifixion in 337 CE out of respect for Jesus Christ.

Crucifixion was also used in other parts of the world, including in Islam and in Japan, where it was used during the Sengoku period and in World War II.

Archaeological evidence

Further information: Jehohanan

Historians have written about many crucifixions, but archaeologists have found very few physical remains. In 1968 in Jerusalem at Givat HaMivtar, workers found a box called an ossuary with a name on it: “Jehohanan, the son of Hagakol.” Inside, scientists found a heel bone with a nail through it. This shows Jehohanan was crucified. The nail had bits of olive wood on it, meaning his cross was made from an olive tree.

Researchers also found a piece of acacia wood between Jehohanan’s bones and the nail. This likely helped keep him from escaping. Scientists later talked about these findings, but this discovery remains important for learning about crucifixion in history. More recent discoveries in Italy and the United Kingdom have added to our understanding of this ancient practice.

Modern use

Crucifixion has been reported in several modern situations. During World War I, stories said that German soldiers crucified a Canadian soldier, but later checks showed this did not happen.

In some places, crucifixion is used as a punishment. For example, it is still used rarely in Saudi Arabia as part of their laws. Sometimes, people are executed in other ways first, and then their bodies are shown in a crucified position.

Sadly, there have also been reports of crucifixions used by armed groups during conflicts. These acts were done to civilians, showing how this very old way of punishment has sometimes appeared again in recent times.

In culture and arts

The idea of crucifixion has inspired many artists and cultural works. Painters like Jan Van Eyck and Diego Velázquez created famous artworks showing this theme. Sculptures, postcards, and modern protests have also referenced crucifixion. For example, a protester in Washington D.C. in 1970 tied themselves to a cross to make a statement, and a sculpture in the United Kingdom in 2007 paid tribute to the artist Piet Mondrian.

As a devotional practice

In some religions, people act out crucifixion for special ceremonies. For example, in the town of Iztapalapa near Mexico City, people have acted out Jesus's crucifixion every year since 1833. In New Mexico, a group called the Hermanos de Luz ("Brothers of Light") also acts this out during Holy Week. In these events, people are tied to crosses but not nailed to them.

In the Philippines, some Catholics choose to be tied to crosses and have their hands pierced with pre-sterilized nails during Good Friday as a way to show devotion. The Filipino Catholic Church and health officials have asked people not to do this, but the practice continues. Participants are given advice to stay safe.

Notable crucifixions

This section includes stories from religious texts and other traditions.

• The rebellious slaves who waged the Third Servile War: Between 73 and 71 BCE, a large group of slaves, led by Spartacus, fought against the Roman republic. After the rebellion was stopped, many followers were crucified along the Appian Way.
• Jehohanan: a Jewish man who was crucified around the same time as Jesus.
• Jesus: His death by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate is a key event told in the four 1st-century canonical Gospels.
• Saint Peter: a Christian apostle, who, according to tradition, was crucified upside-down at his own request.
• Saint Andrew: a Christian apostle and Saint Peter's brother, who is traditionally believed to have been crucified on an X-shaped cross.
• Simeon of Jerusalem: second Bishop of Jerusalem, crucified in either 106 or 107 CE.
• Mani: the founder of Manicheanism, depicted by followers as having died by crucifixion in 274 CE.
• The 26 Martyrs of Japan were crucified.