The Frequency and Use of Crucifixion in Roman Times

In Roman times, crucifixion was a common and brutal method of punishment, particularly for slaves, rebels, and those accusing of serious crimes such as treason or piracy. This form of execution served as both a deterrent and a violent means of punishment, with victims often left on display for days as a public display of Roman might and justice.

Purpose of Crucifixion

The primary purpose of crucifixion was not only to punish the individual but also to serve as a public spectacle. It was a form of punishment that instilled fear in the populace and deterred others from committing similar offenses. The public nature of these executions allowed the Roman authorities to publicly display the severity of the crimes and the consequences of breaking Roman law.

Victims of Crucifixion

The majority of those crucified were non-Romans, including slaves, foreigners, and criminals. Free Roman citizens were rarely subjected to this form of punishment, with the exception being severe criminals such as those accused of treason or serious crimes.

A notable example of crucifixion is the case of Spartacus. During the Servile War, Spartacus led a rebellion of enslaved gladiators and slaves against the Roman Republic. After the defeat of Spartacus and his followers, the Roman general Marcus Licinius Crassus crucified 6,000 captured slaves along the Appian Way, as described by the Roman historian Plutarch. This event highlights the widespread and brutal nature of crucifixion as a form of punishment and public display.

Historical Context

The most famous crucifixion is that of Jesus Christ, which occurred around 30-33 AD. According to Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified on the orders of the Roman governor of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, after being accused of blasphemy by the Jewish authorities. The trial and execution of Jesus, as remembered in the Gospels, underscored the use of crucifixion in the context of political and religious dissent.

In another famous case, Cicero prosecuted the Governor of Sicily, Gaius Verres, for extreme corruption. Cicero presented the story of a merchant who had been crucified by Verres, with the man repeatedly shouting, “I am a Roman citizen! I am a Roman citizen!” This outcry served to highlight the disparity in the application of Roman law between Roman citizens and non-citizens, reigniting debates about the treatment of citizens versus foreigners under Roman rule.

Legal Framework and Exceptions

Crucifixion was codified in Roman law and was regulated by the authorities. However, there were instances where the use of crucifixion was applied selectively. For example, during the conquests of Hannibal's Carthaginian army, Roman general Scipio Africanus demanded that all deserters be handed over to him. He crucified the Roman deserters as an example of his authority, but showed mercy to the non-Roman Italians by executing them by beheading instead. This decision reflects the Romans' view that it was a greater crime for a Roman soldier to desert than for a non-citizen.

Another notable exception was Saint Paul, who was a Roman citizen. After being sentenced to death, Paul was beheaded in Rome, thus avoiding the more gruesome form of crucifixion. On the other hand, Saint Peter, who was not a Roman citizen, was crucified in Rome.

Conclusion

While the exact frequency of crucifixion is difficult to ascertain, historical accounts suggest that thousands of individuals could be crucified during major uprisings, such as the Servile War when Spartacus's slaves were crucified. This practice was a widespread and brutal method of punishment that served as a deterrent to prevent further crimes and rebellions. The application of crucifixion was not universal, but rather limited to certain groups, particularly slaves and non-citizens, with Roman citizens generally spared this form of execution unless they were convicted of severe crimes.

In summary, crucifixion was a common practice used as a form of public punishment and deterrence in Roman society. Its use was codified in Roman law and applied selectively based on the status and citizenship of the victim.