Tours: Crucifixion

Learn about crucifixion, the most severe form of Roman capital punishment.

Roman Capital PunishmentA Popular EntertainmentThe CondemnedSpartacus

In terms of the severity of Roman justice, crucifixion was at the top of the list of corporal punishment, followed by death by fire and decapitation. The upper class considered crucifixion unworthy of their position. Those lucky enough to have Roman citizenship were also exempt from such treatment.

Decimation, by William Hogarth

Easily accessible, crucifixions were popular entertainment among the citizenry.

Unlike throwing victims to wild animals, which required an arena, crucifixions did not require any particular setting.

The martyrdom of Saint Andrew

Those subjected to crucifixion were almost always slaves, traitors and lower class citizens.

Roman deserters were crucified because the betrayal of the soldiers was perceived as endangering the lives of Roman citizens.

Spartacus breaking his chains

In 71 BCE, a major slave uprising in Italia was repressed by the Roman army.

This resulted in the crucifixion of 6000 men including their leader, a slave and former gladiator known as Spartacus.