Crucifixtion

A cruel punishment for criminals that was common in the ancient world. The Romans were particular keen on it, often organising mass crucifixions of thousands of people. Crucifixion (from two Latin words meaning ‘fix to a cross') involved nailing or tying someone to an X or T-shaped structure. The victim was then left to starve, suffocate or bleed to death. It as known as a punishment for slaves (Roman citizens were normally exempt) and was widely dreaded. Prisoners were usually crucified naked, which made it even more humiliating. The crucifixion of Jesus described in the gospels followed standard Roman procedure (Matthew chapter 27, Mark chapter 15, Luke chapter 23 and John chapter 19). Contrary to popular belief, Jesus was probably made to carry just the cross-beam (rather than the whole thing) to his place of execution, where it was then fixed to a stake.