The first proof of it's usage is from the Assyrian empire in the 9th century BC, where it started as impalement, with further displays by the Persian Empire in 512 BC, and by Alexander the Great in 332 BC.
It is suspected that early versions of this were done by tying people to wooden poles, with their hands above their head, and allowing the elements and creatures of the earth to have their way. But, later versions, which were started and perfected by the Roman Empire, are closer to what is depicted in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is further believed that the more popular way of the time was to lower the person onto a vertical beam (a stipe), since they would have already been tied with arms extended to a horizontal beam (a patibulum), and walked through the city in humiliation. This would have also been true in the case of Jesus Christ, which of course, is a small variation of how it’s depicted in art and movies by him carrying the whole cross.
Later, whipping and other torture methods were added, not only as punishment for the crime committed, but also so the bloodied bodies would be more of a spectacle for onlookers, and to help spark fear in those who saw them. Further explanation tells that nails were added as part of the process, along with rope, to help bind the victim, ensure less slippage caused by bodily excrements, and increase humility and pain. Proof of this was found in 1968 in Jerusalem in the tomb of a man who lived in the time of Jesus. It is still debated, however, on exactly where the nails were used, since different methods could prolong death and extend torture.
After Constantine banished the use of crucifixion as capital punishment, it didn’t resurface until 1200 years later, in 1597 in Japan, used against Christian missionaries who were believed to overthrow the regime, and later used by Adolf Hitler against Jews in concentration camps. Today, it’s still done in Sudan, and the cross alone is used to spark fear, as done by the KKK with their totem, a burning cross. But, let's not forget it's usage for the sake of exploitation, sadistic pleasure, and crude humor, as portrayed by underground film director, Bill Zebub, in his films Dolla Morte, Jesus Christ: Serial Rapist, and The Worst Horror Movie Ever Made.
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OVERALL RATING--4-- |
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