Special Sub-Topic: Crucifixion: A Fate Worse than Death Click Here To Play: Crucifixion: A Fate Worse than Death

The word crucifixion comes from the Latin word "crucifixio" meaning what?

"fixing to a cross". When a victim was condemned to be crucified their arms and legs were fixed to the cross with rope, or less commonly nails.

The English word "excruciating" is related to a word that was used in ancient times to describe the pain or sounds of a person during crucifixion?

True. The word 'excruciating' literally means "out of crucifying". Crucifixion was meant to cause massive amounts of pain and suffering, to set an example and deter criminal activity.

Crucifixions not only occurred on traditional crosses (crux immissa). What else was used to crucify victims?

All of these (a wooden stake, a T shape, a tree). The simple wooden stake was called a "crux simplex". Victims could be tied to the stake or they could be impaled through various parts of their body. The "T" shape or "crux commissa" was not only common but practical in its use. Some belive that this was actually the shape of the cross that Christ was crucified on. Other shapes included an "X" shape or a "Y" shape. Variations depend on the culture and society of the people.

What are the proper names for the horizontal and vertical beams on a cross?

stipes and patibulum. The stipes was the upright, vertical beam. The patibulum was the horizontal crossbeam. If a patibulum was used, the condemned was forced to carry it himself to the execution site.

Generally speaking, how long did it take for a crucified individual to die?

several hours to several days. The condemned could die within several hours to several days. The factors for the time taken to died were the health of the person and the weather conditions.

What was usually the cause of death for a crucified individual?

asphyxiation. When the arms are outstreched the lungs are extended and inhaling becomes difficult. Eventually the person would have to lift themselves up in order to breath. Fatigue would set in and after a time lifting themselves up would become impossible and the victim would asphyxiate. If a wooden block was under the victim's feet, it made breathing easier. If asphyxiation did not happen quickly enough, the executioner would break the victim's legs so the victim could not support himself.

The Romans were the only society to practice crucifixion.

False. Crucifixion was not practiced solely by the Romans. It was also practiced by the Persians, Seleucids, Carthaginians, Greeks, and Macedonians over the course of many years in a myriad of forms.

There is very little archaeological evidence of a crucified man. How many crucified bodies have been found?

1. Only one body of a crucified man, Yehohanan the son of Hagakol, has been found. He was discovered in Jerusalem in 1968 and was believed to have been crucified around the time of Jesus. This was a very unusual find because the victims were generally left to decay on the cross and not given a proper burial.

Crucifixion has not been practiced in modern times.

False. According to the Sudanese penal code and UN reports, crucifixion is legal and practiced. Reports of crucifixion as punishment in Sudan have occurred as late as 1994 and 2002. Non-lethal crucifixion is legally practiced in Yemen as a punishment. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucifixion

A few people are voluntarily crucified for various celebrations.

True. Some devout Catholic flagellants, such as "Los Hermanos de Luz", volunteer to be non-lethally crucified every year. These celebrations and ceremonies occur in many different countries; however, they are most common in countries with large Catholic populations. Reasons for mortification of the flesh include religious celebrations, promises to God or penance for past sins.