Crucifixion Practices

Ancient crucifixion has been the subject of some major studies in the last twenty years. However, they remain silent on how the patibulum was attached to the vertical post or stipes, either with or without an individual. This issue is addressed in this article. The author describes modern approaches to this issue and suggests that there is evidence that nails were used in attaching the patibulum to the crux/stipes. Moreover, the author suggests that the crux/stipes was not imagined to be always already erected before the patibulum was attached, contrary to what is usually related. The Gospel of Peter implies that both beams were attached to each other on the ground before being raised up, and this practice is attested with similar capital punishments in Antiquity as well.