Crucifixion

By Crusader1307

The practice of Crucifixion is derives from Ancient Rome. Used as a Torture/Execution method for Traitors or Sedition, the practice involved the accused being placed on a wooden cross beam (slightly longer than the victims outstretched arms). The Victim's body would be similarly stretches out on another longer wooden beam (thus resembling a Cross or Crux – from the Latin). Sharpened spikes of metal would next be pushed through the wrists of the victim, impaling them to the crossbeam. Likewise, the feet would be impaled to the bottom beam (often held in place by a platform or pedestal). Finally, the entire device would be raised and secured in a hole (to provide stability). The victims body weight would be effected by gravity (pulling it downward). Death was slow and painful (often lasting hours or days).

Death was the result of shock, acidity of the blood, increased forced heartbeat and the literal “drowning” in one's body fluids. Heart failure was the likely result. Incredibly, some victims who survived (and there were few), were quickly dispatched by a spear or by breaking the legs (causing instant heart failure as well). Ancient Rome used this tactic during The Servile Rebellions (Spartacus) in 73-71 B.C.). Some 6,000 ex-slave/rebels were crucified in one day. Normally, Roman citizens were not afford this method of execution (although some notable exceptions were made in the practice's history). Crucifixion was a popular execution for Pirates as well. Variations of the method involved inverted positions (upside down) and single Stakes (without crossbeams). One story from Medieval times (12th Century), tells of Little Hugh of Lincoln, a young English boy supposedly ritually murdered this way by local Jews in Lincoln, England. The tale became a popular ballad in The Middle Ages.