Ancient Rome  Crucifixion was incredibly painful, hence the term “excruciating”  Massive strain on the wrists, arms and shoulders often resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints. Rib cage constrained in a fixed position, which made it extremely difficult to exhale, and impossible to take a full breath. Victim would continually try to draw himself up by his feet to allow for inflation of the lungs enduring terrible pain in his feet and legs. The pain in the feet and legs became unbearable and the victim was forced to trade breathing for pain. The length of time required to die from crucifixion could range from hours to a number of days.  Longest Recorded Time was 9 days

Causes of Death  Main cause of death – asphyxiation  Physical shock caused by the scourging that preceded the crucifixion  Shock from the process of being nailed to the cross  Dehydration  Exhaustion  Blood Loss

Scourging  The Romans used a whip for scourging called a flagrum, which consisted of small pieces of bone and metal attached to a number of leather strands.  The skin of the back was ripped to the bone from scourging.

Flagrum

Nails  The nails were inserted just above the wrist, between the two bones of the forearm or driven through the wrist, in a space between four carpal bones  The palms could have been used as experiments have shown that a person can be suspended by the palm of their hand  Nailing the feet to the side of the cross relieves strain on the wrists by placing most of the weight on the lower body

Side Heel Nails

The Crux Simplex  The crux simplex (I). An upright pole (called the crux simplex) was used for the purpose of crucifixion. A combination of the upright pole and a crossbeam formed another simple type of cross. The person to be crucified would carry the crossbeam to the place of execution. The crossbeam would then be attached to the post.

The Crux Simplex

The Crux Decussata  The crux decussata (X), also called the crux Andreana, because according to tradition St. Andrew was said to have suffered upon it.

The Crux Decussata

The Crux Commissa  The crux commissa (T), or St. Anthony's cross. This type of cross was formed like a T.

The Crux Commissa

The Crux Immissa  The crux immissa (t), or Latin cross, which was the kind of cross on which Jesus died. The Latin cross had a longer descending arm associated with the cross of Jesus crucifixion.

The Crux Immissa

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