317: Crucifixion

P&C drink and review a dry-hopped pilsner from Nepenthe, then discuss crucifixion. Crucifixion didn't start with the Romans, and wasn't limited to them. The Romans learned it from the Persians, the Carthaginians and the Macedonians. But the Romans "perfected" and systematized it. Crucifixion was reserved for crimes against the state: rebellion, treason, and religious dissent. Modern research suggests that there wasn't a single way to crucify someone. Arms might have been nailed to the cross, or sometimes just tied with ropes. The feet may not have been nailed together, but sometimes nailed separately on different sides of the cross. The torturers had some liberty to improvise. The Romans used crucifixion to warn the population not to dare to mess with Rome. After a general review of crufixion, the boys speak briefly about the crucifixion of Christ.