The Functional use of Crosses for Crucifixions in Iudæa

[E. I.Smith]

In Iudæa, using crosses for crucifixions was about ensuring the public humiliation of the condemned and warning onlookers against engaging in certain behaviors. If Christ, by order of the Romans, was impaled in a remote forest and summarily buried, then other insurrectionists in Iudæa would not have had the sense of fear and trembling that would deter them from continuing in anti-government activities. It should be noted that in the Roman Empire, namely in Iudæa, crucifixions were generally used for insurrectionists e.g., Jesus Christ and revolutionary guerilla fighters e.g., Barabbas. The public nature of crucifixions and their exceptional cruelty were devised to strike fear into those who would commit crimes against the State.

Edited March 26, 2018 by E. I.Smith