Crucification

Lady Capricia d'Aulnay asks:
2. I was watching Jesus Christ Superstar the other night and begin to
   wonder about crucifixion.  When did it start and more importantly when did
   it end ?  Why was it decided that this was no longer the best
   punishment/death sentence?


To answer the first part of your first question crucifixion was used in many
differing forms at different periods in history. It was widely used by the
Phoenicians, Scythians, the Greeks, the Romans, The Persians, and the
Carthagenians. Constantine abolished cruxcifixion in 325.
I would assume that the reason it was no longer utilized is due to Constantine being a Christian.
Sources used to answer your question:
Medieval Punshiment, The Gutenberg Press, 1994.
Scott, George Riley, A History of Torture. Senate, 1995.
I have a couple more sources if you have further questions on this
particular subject of torture or if you have any other concerning torture in period.

~Genevieve de Courtanvaux


I need to correct one of my answers to you.....that of when crucifixion was
ended. According to A History of Torture crucifixion reemerged throughout
the centuries. In 1127 the last recorded crucifixion occurred in France.
Bertholde, the murderer of Charles the Righteous, was crucified by the order
of Louis.

~Genevieve de Courtanvaux


Actually, the last crucifications occured during the Nazi era, but it
proved too inefficient for their purposes.  Just quoting history, not my
opinion.

~Brendan


Thanks for the info. I was not aware of that and yes they would not be very effective
...days to die and all that.

~Genevieve de Courtanvaux