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Crucifixion
This week (1st september) I;ve had a bit of a theme with it watching 'Stigmata' then 'Ideas of March'.
Crucifixtion was used by the Romans as a form of punishment however it is believed they gained the idea from the eastern side of their empire such as Persia. Alexander the great also is reported to used this as a punishment for the Tyre people who servied his seige.
Art has depicted as the victim having nails driven through the palms of thier hands and feet however recent discoveries archaeology and scientifc anaylisis has disproved this image.
It is now believe that the nails were driven throug the victims wrists (possible forarms between the two bones) and possible ankles (as explained breifly in 1999's 'Stigmata') as the palms of the hands are thought not to be able to suppporty the persons weight. (Nails would tear through them when they were uprighted). They could also be tied using ropes or a combination of both (see 'Cruxificion in Xena)
Also before it is thought that the victime was beaten/whipped before hand to increase the discomfort while on the cross.
In a recent newspaper article from ealy 06 says that the victim would either die through shock, possible bloods loss or suffocation (asphyxiation) as a strain is put on the rib cage, dehydration.
From the Wikipedia: Death could occur in a few hours or days dependign on how they were cruxified, health of individual ect.
Crucifixton in Xena,
In 'Destiny' Ceaser calls for a gaurd to break Xena's legs. This, was actutly a 'kind' thing to do. By breaking the legs it ensures that the victim dies quickly as in an attempt to breath they would support themselves by putting pressure on the nails through the feet to stand up. By breaking the legs of a person this prevents this from happening ensuring that they cannot support themselves and suffocate, thus die quicker. Ropes are also used instead of nails.
By watching 'Idea of March' though sticking with the old idea of nails in palms they also have rope tied round thier wrist. From the 'Brusing' on Gabrilles wrist shown 'Fallen Angel' this could possibly be to help suppot the body weight and stop the palms from tearing. Then agan its a show and ther are no rules lol.
The blocks placed on the hand before hand I think could be historically accurate as I think (Again have to double check) as they have found recedntly remains of an ankle bone that has reamins of a woodeb block attacthed to it.
Aidded by Wikipedia
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