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'''Crucifixion''', derived from the Latin ''crux'' ("cross") and ''figere'' ("to fasten"), was an agonizing form of death famous as a means of execution in the [[Roman Empire]].  It involved the recipient being nailed to a [[cross]] and left to hang until dead.  The victim, always a [[slave]] or [[criminal]], never a citizen, was mercilessly [[flogging|flogged]] and then nailed to a wooden post with crossbeam.

'''Crucifixion''', derived from the Latin ''crux'' ("cross") and ''figere'' ("to fasten"), was an agonizing form of death famous as a means of execution in the [[Roman Empire]].  It involved the recipient being nailed to a [[cross]] and left to hang until dead.  The victim, always a [[slave]] or [[criminal]], never a citizen, was mercilessly [[flogging|flogged]] and then nailed to a wooden post with crossbeam.

At one time it was believed the nails were driven through the hands and the feet, but the modern view believes the nails were driven through the wrists.  The nails were more dull than the sharp nails of today.  The cross would usually be inclined slightly forward to further strain the body.  The shoulders would become dislocated.  Breathing was only possible by pushing up the legs which would cause excruciating pain in the nailed feet. Indeed, the word 'excruciating' comes from crucifying.  Relieving the pressure on the feet by not pushing would once again cause breathing to be cut off.  This cycle would continue until the condemned would finally die.  Death could come over a course of days.  [[Asphyxiation]] was the primary cause of death as the lungs would slowly fill with fluid although it was also possible to die of thirst, shock, or exhaustion.  Sleep was impossible.  Hallucinations during this gradual process of dying would be common.

At one time it was believed the nails were driven through the hands and the feet, but the modern view believes the nails were driven through the wrists.  The nails were more dull than the sharp nails of today.  The cross would usually be inclined slightly forward to further strain the body.  The shoulders would become dislocated.  Breathing was only possible by pushing up the legs which would cause excruciating pain in the nailed feet. Indeed, the word 'excruciating' comes from crucifying.  Relieving the pressure on the feet by not pushing would once again cause breathing to be cut off.  This cycle would continue until the condemned would finally die.  Death could come over a course of days.  Asphyxiation was the primary cause of death as the lungs would slowly fill with fluid although it was also possible to die of thirst, shock, or exhaustion.  Sleep was impossible.  Hallucinations during this gradual process of dying would be common.

   

   

After the slave revolt led by [[Spartacus]] was put down the insurgents were crucified by Crassius along the [[Appian Way]] at intervals of 100 feet for a distance of over 500 miles, and were never permitted to be buried.

After the slave revolt led by [[Spartacus]] was put down the insurgents were crucified by Crassius along the Appian Way at intervals of 100 feet for a distance of over 500 miles, and were never permitted to be buried.

The most famous victim of crucifixion was [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], and to [[Christians]] the phrase ''the crucifixion'' refers specifically to his death.  While the details of his crucifixion are not given are not given in [[The Gospels|the Gospel]] accounts, it is mentioned that the legs of the men being crucified next to Him were broken (most likely smashed with hammers) so they would die before the sabbath. With shattered legs they could no longer push themselves up and would soon die from not being able to breathe.

The most famous victim of crucifixion was [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], and to [[Christians]] the phrase ''the crucifixion'' refers specifically to his death.  While the details of his crucifixion are not given are not given in [[The Gospels|the Gospel]] accounts, it is mentioned that the legs of the men being crucified next to Him were broken (most likely smashed with hammers) so they would die before the sabbath. With shattered legs they could no longer push themselves up and would soon die from not being able to breathe.