by Srikanth Radhakrishna

Created on: November 06, 2011   Last Updated: November 07, 2011

The term "crucifixion" is derived from the Latin term "crucifixio", which means "fixing to a cross". It is an ancient method of punishment. In this brutal system of punishment, the condemned person was either nailed or tied to a large cross. The person suffered slow and painful death. Crucifixion was usually used to punish slaves, pirates and other enemies of the state. 

Crucifixion was used by Romans, Carthaginians, Persians and Macedonians. It was one of the many forms of punishment (like death by boiling, breaking wheel, impalement, death by burning, crushing and sawing), which were used in those days. Crucifixion is well known because Jesus Christ, who is venerated by those who follow Christianity, was crucified by the Romans in Jerusalem. Subsequently, the cross became a religious symbol for Christians worldwide. 

The condemned person was usually forced to carry the heavy crossbeam (weighing around 100 pounds) on his shoulders to the place of execution. The condemned person was completely disrobed before crucifixion and had to undergo the humiliation of urinating or defecating in public. The legs of the crucified person were usually broken with an iron club. 

The purpose of this form of punishment was to cause a tremendous amount of pain and humiliation to the condemned person. Crucifixion was performed in public, as it served to dissuade people from committing crimes. This punishment was carried out on a gibbet (a gallows type structure).

The nails were usually inserted just above the wrist, between the radius and the ulna (bones of the forearm). A footrest was attached to the cross in order to reduce the strain on the wrist. The nails and other objects used in crucifixion were used as amulets. People believed that they had the power to cure diseases. 

The condemned person usually died due to asphyxiation (lack of supply of oxygen to the body). The guards were supposed to leave the site of execution only after confirming the death of the victim. Mass crucifixions were performed during the Roman civil wars. 

Romans crucified thousands of people during their rule. However, crucifixion was opposed by many eminent people of those times, like the famous Roman philosopher and statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero. Cicero described crucifixion as "a most cruel and ignominious punishment". Crucifixion was abolished in the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great after Jesus was subjected to it. He did it out of veneration for Jesus. 

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