Crucifixion From A Historical, Legal and Clinical Perspective

On this video we will discuss the historicially accurate description of the crucifixion as a form of punishment in the classical period, and in Ancient Rome. We will discuss mostly about 3 aspects, the historical origin and legal context of the crucificion within Roman law, whether or not Jesus of Nazareth was put on a cross the way we usually imagine him, and last but not least we'll talk about the clinical effects of both being crucified and the nails being driven through your hands, wrists and feet.
This is not a video about doctrine, and is instead an accademic approach, using the ancient sources in Latin to better understand what actually happened.
Here are some further sudies and bibliography for you to review.
www.cambridge.org/core/journa...
www.repository.cam.ac.uk/bits...
www.researchgate.net/publicat...
www.researchgate.net/publicat...
www.researchgate.net/publicat...

[@mcmoose64]

I went to a Catholic school in the 70s and I remember being taught about the mechanics of crucifixion , in all its horrific detail , by a sweet faced old nun in the second or third grade . Neither I or my classmates were particularly shocked or traumatized , in fact her presentation was followed by an enthusiastic question and answer session .

[@marvalice3455]

Most kids are able to handle really dark stuff. We are carnivores after all

[@samuelschick8813]

Anthony Mcdonald, Go to the Philippines during Holy Week. They still volunteer to be crucified. kzbin.info?search_query=philippines%2C+crucifixion

[@MH-zg5yw]

I attended Catholic school and they sure don't teach that anymore.

[@Acesahn]

Kids like gory details.

[@mikeshelogowski434]

Same here.

[@phantomix5693]

So the crux of the matter is that you shouldn't cross the Romans. Great vid Metatron, you really nailed it this time!

[@Restitutor-Orbis]

Jesus lol

[@tinoderyanto7668]

Let me open the door for you

[@dougneon9550]

@@tinoderyanto7668 Open the door? Nah

[@dougneon9550]

@PhantomIX come grab your platubalum you're going up

[@toasty6570]

@@tinoderyanto7668 By door you mean pearly white gates

[@DamonNomad82]

As my mom's dad was both a medical doctor and a preacher, I learned far more of the medical details of crucifixion than I ever wanted to just by hearing his Good Friday sermons on the topic.

[@klopcodez]

Mind sharing?

[@cevcena6692]

Why didn't you just say grandpa lol

[@IsraelCountryCube]

@@cevcena6692 moms dads mother dads mothers by the 3nd ec_3m square 100 dads 21 mothers dads ayayayyayayayae dad!

[@Banthafodder8]

My mom's dad's grandson is leaving comments on KZbin videos

[@unamusedmule]

​@@cevcena6692because he'd have to say "my grandpa from my mothers sade" which is extensively longer.

[@thebiguglyredneck]

Once again, the teacher I wish I'd had during my wasted youth.

[@metatronyt]

I appreciate your words

[@michellemcgill9328]

Absolutely

[@JamesRDavenport]

The only thing I could add to this excellent presentation is that Crucifixion and other forms of Roman capital punishment were usually accompanied by extreme torture prior to the cross itself. While it technically isn't Crucifixion, they were often used together as a efficient process, breaking down the victim's humanity long before they made it on to the patibulum.

[@karlbrady5453]

Like the scourging

[@JamesRDavenport]

@@karlbrady5453 Exactly

[@garrick3727]

Sometimes, but we do not know how common this was. There was likely not much incentive to treat slaves well, to feed them, but outside of regular brutality most people did not have the time or inclination to do much else. Whipping people, for example, was mostly just a way to get them to hurry up. There was a strong sense of what you do will reflect back on you in the ancient world, so many people were wary of tempting fate by being excessively cruel. It all depends on the crime, the criminal, the executioners, the place, the time. Also, when people write about some of these events they want to make either the criminal or the executioners look good or bad, depending on motives. Plus, of course, people only tend to write about the most famous (or infamous) events.

[@davethebrahman9870]

I would like to see some evidence for all this.

[@JamesRDavenport]

@@davethebrahman9870 Posted a reply linking to a 2003 study. If the link didn't show (auto spam blocked by YT) then search South African Medical Journal Crucifixion study. Under Roman Crucifixion section of the paper, see "Preliminary Procedures"

[@eddingtonmcclane6963]

As a physician, myself, I appreciated your clinically-accurate discussion.

[@metatronyt]

Thank you very much!

[@eddingtonmcclane6963]

@Phoenix 𝙾𝚙𝚎𝚗 𝙼𝚢 PROFILE Kudos on recognizing that the Carthaginians who emigrated to Tyre and environs were hardly 'colonizers,' but more akin to American ex-pats who 'return' to England. This has implications in the history of the purple dye trade and other several other elements. Not really chicken-and-egg, but most folks don't know this. 'Cheers.

[@bradchervel5202]

Heal thyself.

[@taffysaur]

@@bradchervel5202 😂

[@materliliorum]

@@metatronyt Thank you for this great lecture! I learnt a lot. However, I've been quite surprised to not hear about the traditional supplicia canum, but instead, about a supposed importation from the Persian Empire, via Alexander the Great's empire and Carthago. Wouldn't it be more probable to suppose that crucifixion already belonged to ancient Roman traditions by the time of the Punic wars? 14:46 Where does the picture come from? Are the mistakes made to be realistic? 😉

[@Whimsical_rock]

As a Christian I must say that I love how unbiased you are, I certainly appreciate it. I’m willing to listen to someone that doesn’t come with the intention of destroying my religion like some Atheist do, I’m more willing to listen to someone unbiased like you that doesn’t have any agenda behind their intention except the agenda of telling history from an unbiased point of view. Again I appreciate it very much bc I LOVE history and wouldn’t want it to be changed just to fit my perception of the world.

[@iamoffendedand8023]

Megatron is a Christian or a Catholic

[@sayedelghairb8640]

Quran (5:15): In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. (O People of the Scripture, there has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much. There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book [i.e., the Qur’ān]) Allah Almighty is Truthful

[@ZZz-vh4cf]

Certainly with a name like “metatron” this guy is likely some borderline sociopathic wannabe gnostic so I’d re evaluate the whole “unbiased” point. This man likely despises Christ in truth and is instead a proxy for the theosophical fraternal mystery cults. To whom damnation is just.

[@poki580]

@@ZZz-vh4cf path of gold only leads to a single destination that said i havent really noticed metatron being a gnostic, other than ranting how in medieval czechia they didnt use religious talk much

[@blitzreich]

@@ZZz-vh4cf Ooh, you're so edgy. Damnation for you is just.

[@ruiassis9752]

As a physician, just to clarify a little your explanation, the bending position would first impair the diaphragm which is our main respiratory muscle. This is achieved by raising abdominal pressure and restricting chest expansion. Then the person would increase their auxiliary respiratory muscles' work, which were already limited by the positioning on the cross. All of this while the hypovolemia and acidemia, both lactic, ketonic and respiratory were increasing the respiratory muscles' workload, creating a cycle. The rest you explained is on point. I loved the video

[@citizenofcorona8783]

Metatron has way more credibility than any show on The History Channel.

[@iapetusmccool]

@Gabryjel stop spamming

[@thomasjenkins5727]

Considering how low that bar is, you aren't saying much.

[@andrewtodaro2874]

Yeah! The “history channel” has recently become trash w/ dreck like pawn stars and ancient aliens 😒

[@Simon-A.-Tan]

Dude, that's a horribly low bar....

[@rdouglasmead]

I get where you're coming from, but that's a very low bar to reach. lol

[@LuxisAlukard]

4:44 "Hey, which way to Rome?" "Just follow the stench." Edit: It's one dead man every 33m. For 200km. You would take a detour to Rome, if you can...

[@MtRevDr]

At the beginning of the way at Brindisi, I had excellent pizza.

[@LuxisAlukard]

@KKmies Thank you for pointing that out!

[@garrick3727]

I do wonder by how much the reality differed from what we imagine. Imagine the time and the manpower needed, not to mention all the wood, rope, nails. The romans did crucify people who were already dead, since the "warning" was just as important as the death. It would be much more efficient to crucify dead people. So, for example, they could have put up the healthiest prisoners near Rome where they would garner the most attention, but once away from Rome it would be easier to deal with dead people, and you would not need to guard them so closely. It's pure speculation, but we have zero information on the event.

[@garrick3727]

​@KKmies Soldiers may not adhere to the law 100%, as is the case with hastening death. Dead people don't resist unlike live prisoners. They do not need guarding. How did the romans supervise 6000 crucifictions? Is it not possible that the exceptional circumstances led to exceptional measures? We have literally one sentence that describes the event in question. All it says is that the 6000 survivors were crucified along the road from Capua to Rome. Since they were battle survivors, I find it hard to believe that none of them were injured or died subsequently. Would those who died of their wounds escape being put on display with the others? There are many instances of bodies being put on display after death, even of people being executed after death. It is not hard to imagine that someone who died before crucification would still be hung up, and I believe the bible and Greek histories mention crucifixion simply as a means of presenting the dead as a warning to others. My earlier comment was speculative, and I said as much. You can dispute that it happened because neither of us have evidence one way or the other. My entire point is that we have no specifics, so I wondered how the reality of the situation may have differed from what we imagine.

[@punisherlee]

4:51 As a Nigerian, I grew up getting used to hearing "Appian way" as a synonym for a "shortcut"

[@johnjericho]

Your pronunciation of Latin phrases is impeccable. I learnt some in school many many years ago. It's also great to see a general independent video of Roman times. Well done.

[@aaronseet2738]

My medical friend once told me that nailing the palm isn't "fail-safe" because the nail could eventually tear through the flesh. Nailing the wrist between the radius and ulna is more secure.

[@Frank-mm2yp]

Other theories support nailing through the palms of the hands IF the victim's arms are bound tightly to the cross piece of the cross. So if the nails tear through the flesh of the hands he will still remain crucified. Although one does not see this method of crucifixion in works of religious art (created centuries later) does not mean it did not happen .Nobody knows the exact way Jesus was crucified. It was a common method of execution centuries old, and I do not believe the Romans ever wrote the one definitive "Crucifixion For Dummies" instruction manual.

[@davidweihe6052]

@@Frank-mm2yp If the victim is tied to the cross, rather than nailed, death takes most of a week, rather than three days with nails as Spartacus' army was on the Apppian Way. Also, the "definition" of the hand, back then, included the wrist and just above, so you could get a secure nailing site. Dying within the first day was rare, though, sufficient that they had to test it with the spear to the side.

[@aaronseet2738]

@@Frank-mm2yp Well i guess the Romans had plenty of surplus rope and "cost savings" wasn't a concept back then. The businessman in me thinks all those rope could be better used elsewhere, and I'm sure in those times rope had a lot of daily practical value.

[@garystanfield2274]

Nails were not used, Immanuel died by Jewish Law, not Roman Law.

[@garystanfield2274]

@@davidweihe6052 A Cross was not used. Nails were not used. He hung by rope on his wrists from an Olive tree according to Jewish Law.

[@ATurkeySandwichGAME]

I remember reading from a doctor that having the spike through the hands would cause them rip out between your fi gers due to body weight, and the more likely place to put the spike are between the forearm bones near your wrist

[@TheOnlyToblin]

That is what I learned as well. Properly applied, it would even avoid major blood vessels.

[@GholaTleilaxu]

Unless the victim is standing on a wooden platform, his arms and legs bound to the cross by ropes and the nails beaten through small pieces of wood or other relatively hard material.

[@UmbraBlades]

I'm a Greek Orthodox Christian and my theologian teacher in senior high school, who also happened to be a priest, taught my entire school that the Orthodox Church agrees that medically the spike would have pierced the wrist area, but they allow the portrayal of the piercing to instead be directly on the palms of the hands due to two reasons: the first being artistic license , and the second being to lessen the shock value of the portrayal as it is considered more humane when portrayed on the hands instead of wrists.

[@Patrick_919]

I heard that this was because the original Greek considered anything below the elbow as the hand. The Greek was then translated into languages that had the hand below the wrist.

[@markhill3858]

from what Ive read of "nine inch nails" used for this purpose .. they could probably mash your entire fist under the head of such a nail .. so where exactly you nailed him might not be all that relevant. And if it did rip out .. no biggie, whack a few more nails into the arm or something eh? cant be that hard to nail a guy to wood with these giant nails right?

[@dalvincee303]

Your pathophysiology on death by crucifixion is top notch. Well simplified for easy understanding even for those with little medical knowledge. Keep it up brother.

[@grip4us]

Love that you present the Latin not just the translation.

[@superdupergrover9857]

I want to express my appreciation for your unbiased analysis of Biblical and other ancient subjects. While, as a devout Christian I certainly have my bias, I find that a lot of secular sources opinions boil down to "Josephus didn't mention it, so it didn't happen". (for all you subcommenters, I am exaggerating to prove a point. Yet it is closer to the truth than many are willing to admit)

[@dan4lau]

I'm pretty convinced the whole 'Josephus' passage about Jesus is an out and out forgery anyway. I remember once going through it, taking out everything I reckon it was impossible he would say, being a Jewish historian in the pay of the Romans, and I was left with "There also lived at this time the man called Jesus. He preached to the Jews and to the gentiles, and the tribe of Christians, which was named for him, is still in existence today." (Terrible paraphrasing but if you know the passage I'm sure you'll follow me.) It wouldn't even be worth putting down. Also seems clear the text around it makes much more sense when the whole thing is cut out. Right now I would take some very strong convincing that 'the man Jesus' ever existed at all. He was a mythological figure whose story was set in an earthly place and time for alegorical purposes, which text then was either unwittingly or willfully mis-interpretted... probably a bit of both.

[@alecbunting8116]

@@dan4lau the owner of this video also did another video on the historicity of Jesus.

[@rockytopbritt]

@@alecbunting8116 One of his best too.

[@superdupergrover9857]

@@dan4lau I wasn't referring to that, and in fact agree with you that Josephus didn't write that particular passage. I was instead referring to the secular habit of dismissing any particular event mentioned in the New Testament simply because it was not corroborated, which at the time and place could only be Josephus. Dismissing something, (that admittedly, should be considered biased) because it isn't mentioned by the only other source (that happens to have the opposite bias) is bad science.

[@viperstriker4728]

@@dan4lau You literally just proved superdupergrover's point by dismissing Jesus's existence after only bringing up Josephus, there are other sources (which Metron has conveniently collected into one video about it) that you would have to disprove to say Jesus never existed as a person.

[@ozymandias3097]

If you haven’t covered it previously, would you consider doing an episode on the specifics of Vlad The Impalers methods? Regardless, thank you for today’s content!

[@morriganmhor5078]

In fact, those were methods he learned from Turks being a prisoner/hostage in Constantinople. And the Ottomans learned that probably also from Persians, as for the steppe nomads they were, using long wooden poles in non-forrested steppe would be rather problematic.

[@bloochoo2870]

Count dankula has recently done a good video on glad the impaler that you may like

[@ozymandias3097]

@@bloochoo2870 Thank you kindly! 🍻

[@jasonbelstone3427]

@@bloochoo2870 yeah, but that was more biographical and comedy focused than technical or about impalement methods.

[@waynegoldpig2220]

There is an audiobook on youtube called 'Children of the Night' by Dan Simmons. It is a novel about Vlad still being alive in the present day and a mysterious child in a Romanian orphanage with a strange blood disorder. The interesting part is the occasional chapter where Vlad recalls his earlier life, describing in first person the things he did and his motivation for doing them. In these chapters, it describes how men and women were impaled on staves about 2-3 inches in diameter and these were blunt ended and heavily lubricated with grease. Men or women would be held spreadeagled, and the tip inserted into either the anus or vagina, slowly working the stave until it followed as far as possible the innards, at which point it would be forced through the walls of the obstructing innards until the stave emerged either through the victims mouth or neck/shoulder. The stave was diverted around heart and lungs so as to delay death. Once the stave emerged, it would be elevated to the vertical and displayed.

[@YelFlux]

i think the fact that I love learning make me love this Channel so much he explain like a teacher .I found this Channel by chance and it's one of my favorite

[@paulmichelet3802]

The subject matter aside, the way you marshal your knowledge and express it with such fluency and attention to detail is highly impressive. You deserve the highest praise for your wonderfully articulate and erudite presentation Thank you.

[@dalenixon1947]

Great video. Love the historicity of Jesus Christ videos, keep them coming. You present them in a very unbiased way which makes it enjoyable for those of us of the Christian faith. All the best to you.

[@jusfugly]

Keep enjoying the made up lies. I know you won't want to hear any actual truth.

[@dalenixon1947]

@@jusfugly yawn

[@jusfugly]

@@dalenixon1947 Yep, looks like you're definitely satisfied with the lies.

[@dalenixon1947]

@@jusfugly I'll keep on living my truth, you keep on living yours.

[@jusfugly]

@@dalenixon1947 There is no "my truth" or "your truth" or even "their truth". There is only THE truth, and that doesn't change, no matter how much faith and belief you have.

[@milosjanos5058]

I think important thing you did not mention, is that "victim" of crucifiction was whipped before crufiction with flagellum I think. This whipping was usually severe and left back of victim severely damaged. This could cause blood loss.

[@rohancooray194]

Why did you put "victim" in quotation marks?

[@gustavoscottifraga4541]

@@rohancooray194 because it was capital punishment aka : execution for criminals

[@ModFactory]

@@rohancooray194 Because all who are condemed by the glory of Roman law are guilty! Every plebian knows this. Lol

[@wolfFaolan78]

@@rohancooray194 He could be meaning to say that he was not a victim. He chose and allowed His death. If you have the ability to resist and fully overpower your aggressor and willingly and purposely choose not to, you are not a victim.

[@orbitring]

The flogging instrument was constructed of leather thongs, with lead tips, in Jesus' case. The Romans were afraid of insurrection by the Jews. At this particular time of year on the Jewish Calendar was the Passover and Unleavened Bread celebration. This meant, that Jews from all over came to Jerusalem to observe the Jewish Festival, making the Jewish population rise. The Romans therefore, had brought into their numbers additional soldiers. Some of these soldiers were expert crack units for crowd control. Nonetheless. were the Roman torturers i.e. floggers. These floggers knew their craft well and were there to send a message to those, who decided that rioting would bring to them their desired results. Jesus was front and center of all of this. He was the focus and high-lighted after doing the miraculous reresection of His friend, Lazarus, from the dead. Jesus' fame had spread and people wanted to see Him and the Jewish Big Boys wanted him out of the way, permanently because He posed a threat to their power hold over the Jewish people. They hated Him because He [Jesus] meant change to a much, better way to the Father. The Jewish leaders knew that the party was over for them had Jesus been allowed to live. Religion murdered Jesus whereas, Christianity gives life.

[@nitrotortoise5677]

Hey Metatron! Just wanted to say I love your videos. I've had a huge passion for learning about history from a very young age, and your videos are always a pleasure to watch. My family is a little divided when it comes to matters of religion and history, and sometime we can end up butting heads when the two subjects meet in a conversation. However, these videos that you've done on Jesus and the crucifixion have proven to be an incredible common ground for us to come together and learn about the things that interest us. Just wanted to know that the hard work you put into this and all your videos is both inspiring and appreciated! We'd love to see more content with your historical dissections of this time period. Thanks for all the work you put into entertaining and educating us! Keep up the excellent work!

[@kennm399]

For some reasons not known to me INRI has been replaying in my mind for the past one week... Good piece of history Sir.

[@RafaelCavalcantePaulino]

Metraton. You're a guy I'd certainly like to be friends with. No boring talks ever and a ton of interesting stuff.

[@trapperscout2046]

I believe the word "excruciating" came from the practice of crucifixion. It's a painful way to die.

[@noelg.3632]

Yep, you’re correct, the word excruciating does come from crucifixion. Honestly if crucifixion was still around today, I think I would rather have a bullet, something quick other than crucifixion, I would not want to go out that way

[@royalcreations3970]

Many westerners debate whether he was put on a cross or a "tree." Your excellent presentation shows how the patibulum Jesus carried when put on the "tree" makes a cross. Not hard to understand or imagine but people do get sidetracked debating this detail due to translations.

[@APinchOfHistory]

These videos on Jesus are brilliant! Really deeply researched, that's something to admire in them :)

[@r0ky_M]

Seneca (4 AD - 65 AD) recorded some first hand detail of crucifixion: "I see crosses there, not just of one kind but made in many different ways: some have their victims with their head down to the ground, some impale their private parts, others stretch out their arms"

[@r0ky_M]

Tertullian (born 155 AD) Christian author - Chapter 4: .."Regulus, a Roman general, who had been taken prisoner by the Carthaginians, declined to be exchanged for a large number of Carthaginian captives, choosing rather to be given back to the enemy. He was crammed into a sort of chest; and, everywhere pierced by nails driven from the outside, he endured so many crucifixions."

[@r0ky_M]

Flavius Josephus (born 37 AD) Antiquities - chapter 11: "So the soldiers, out of the wrath and hatred they bore the Jews, nailed those they caught, one after one way, and another after another, to the crosses, by way of jest, when their multitude was so great, that room was wanting for the crosses, and crosses wanting for the bodies."

[@aonirsplayground6224]

Being in the biological field I appreciate the mix of historical context and anatomy/physiological explanation!

[@roberthogue5138]

Thank you for all the research you and associates put into this very informative video. You sir, have one of the most intelligent channels on KZbin.

[@SuperOtter13]

An open mind is a wonderful thing. Thank you Raffaello! Fascinating and well presented information. Love this channel for those reasons but this was a very exceptional video. Well done sir. Cheers!

[@Ranstone]

Important to note that in most texts, religious (And while religious texts are no less a viable historical source than non religious texts, this appears in secular texts as well) that the sign "king of the Jews" was placed above his head, supporting the traditionalist depiction of a + shaped cross, as opposed to the T shape also used in the era. Not sure how you'd mount it over his head in a T shape.

[@jwhippet8313]

Or an X. Edit: with a T, you could mount the sign directly over his head if his arms were at a 45 degree angle.

[@Kilopapa-alph1]

@@jwhippet8313 do you mean a Y

[@tickticktickBOOOOM]

You could stick a sign on a small post attached to the crossbar, tied or nailed.

[@ArkadiBolschek]

@@Kilopapa-alph1 Is there any evidence that Romans used Y-shaped crosses? X-shaped and T-shaped ones are attested, as well as the typical latin cross, but I've never heard of Y-shaped ones.

[@Kilopapa-alph1]

@@ArkadiBolschek Y yes, X no. But most crosses where T’s

[@gordonlawrence1448]

I studied this as part of my degree in Biblical Theology. The first thing I found was a mind boggling number of different ways to do a crucifixion. One author claimed near 200. We know that very occasionally for example some were crucified upside down. There is one account of someone being crucified sideways. The issue here though is the position of the nails. Sometimes they did go through the top of the foot but sometimes the ankles from the side which vastly increased pain. It is however the nails through the "hands" that are in question. If nailed through the centre of the hand they would rip out hastening death from blood loss. Not by a great deal but in both hands it could kill you in 12 hours on its own. There is also the issue that anything below the elbow to a Hebrew was "hand" so when "passim" is used in Hebrew which translated means "to the wrist" it meant "elbow" to a westener. So a nail through the fore-arm would fit from a cultural perspective and would not have ripped out. There is also one other possibility which I personally believe is likely (though not proven). Contrary to popular belief there are some muscles in the hands. Some of these would have been very strong in someone like Yeshua as he would have been used to manual work like Yoseph was. The muscles between the thumb and forefinger are pretty strong in an average adult male (100kg capacity) you can probably double that for Yeshua. The Romans would have often placed the nails to take advantage of this.

[@Symonch_]

Hold on... no muscles in the hand is a "popular belief"??? Where exactly??

[@boku5192]

@@Symonch_ i think he ment the middle of the hands

[@Symonch_]

@@boku5192 i mean, in which country is it common to think the friking hand doesn't have muscles

[@foulmercy8095]

Is it plausible that St Peter was crucified upside down then? The story goes he demanded to be crucified upside down to not disrespect Christ or something along those lines (I believe that description is wrong). Edit: that mention of the misunderstanding of “hand” in Hebrew is appreciated. It reminds me of “they pierced my hands and feet” (Psalm 22:16) and how one argument against it is the fact that Jesus was pierced through the wrist, not the hands. But that’s just flaw of English as we don’t exactly have a word for what you mentioned.

[@boku5192]

@@Symonch_ no idea

[@albertito77]

As. Christian I found your description humbling and informative

[@sgtyed3943]

I really appreciate your videos yo! They give a good insight on everything from a solely Historical perspective. I wanted to request that you review Middle Eastern or Arab armour from the Medieval period. Maybe from 600 - 1300s. Your other videos on armours are very entertaining!

[@Teamgeschiedenis]

You are a fascinating story teller!

[@metatronyt]

Thank you very much

[@Vo_Siri]

I think you might have accidentally left out a line when discussing the Spartacus crucifixions about where Capua is, as it's not actually on the maps shown. Viewers may not know that it's just north of Naples.

[@davidburroughs2244]

Capua is about 120 miles south of Rome, I believe, and at the other end is inland and a bit north and west of Venice

[@Amalvipls]

I really like how metatron makes these "documentaries". It may be because of his clear shouthern italian blood, but his obvious respect for the subject matter of christianity historically is very pleasant

[@CounciloftheRings]

It's always a pleasure to hear your speak about these sort of subjects, even something as grim as crucifixion. It's clear to all that you know your stuff, love talking about it and your approach to all of this is very honest (which sadly isn't always the case) and in my mind the only right way to talk about history. Confirmation bias is too commonly seen, especially on KZbin! So thank you! Thank you for all the knowledge you share and I hope your channel continues to grow! It's well earned! 🙏

[@Benjanuva]

As an intellectual, history nut, and a devout Christian I find this quite fascinating.

[@LordVader1094]

Based lad

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

As an Atheist, from a Christian background, I noticed that you as a Christian expressed appreciation with simple humility. Too bad we don’t see that more often. I studied the criticisms of “The World” prayerfully for many years. I have gradually come to realize simply that people write books. All books. So much for my intellect😙. This is where I’m suppose to rant, rave, and attack your faith. Hey, faith can be precious and very meaningful, I’ve been there. It can also be a blinding light…Paul allusion intended…Chuckling hoped for. We all have so much to learn. All the best fellow history nut!

[@tabsinabox]

@@cipherklosenuf9242 just want to make mention of the price of sin and the commitment of Christ... May you be blessed in heart and soul ❤️🕊️

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

@@tabsinabox Thank you. I know how loving and kind that seems to you. When we lay our burdens down we free.☀️

[@doctrinedoomsday6953]

Metatron please tackle the detailed methods of how a phalanx formation operated, just a suggestion, love your videos my man- keep it up !

[@BBC-dq3ki]

I think he's covered that as sub-point on another video. The phalanx wasn't a complicated formation or battle Strategy, which is why I think he hasn't made a video dedicated to it. (Edit: I think I lied, I looked for the video and couldn't find it. It might have been by shad or skall and it's just been long enough since I watched it for me to get it confused.)

[@Eshkanama]

You’re such a good teacher. I truly have learned so much since watching your videos, it’s very interesting stuff! Much love Metatron⚔️

[@Zumbannemarie]

One of my favourite channels! Nothing but facts and explained in such an accessible manner! Grazie mille!

[@tewkewl]

Please tackle how the legions actually fought in formation (did they stay in blocks or did they form a solid line? How did the maniple swap work?)

[@nikkibrowning4546]

He has talked about it before, and at the time said the sources were not specific enough to say.

[@OvelNick]

He has a pretty extensive back catalog of content that, in one way or another, is incredibly educational AND fascinating. Something not easily done, IMHO. Not just on the titles he chose to use in describing the general topic of the video. I've really enjoyed them when I'm in the shop. Hit play and hours of the more mundane work goes just a bit faster.

[@neilstern1694]

As an MP in the army was surprised we use to this day their shield and and forward shuffle to this day to push back crowd's .

[@GTRNights]

@@neilstern1694 That tactic came from the Phalanx that preceded the Roman testudo.

[@neilstern1694]

@@GTRNights thanks, I'm glad I didn't have to use it.

[@PhilosophicallyAmerican]

So the thief on the cross was more likely a bandit. I always thought subjecting a mere thief to crucifixion was a bit harsh.

[@Hannah-rd2il]

So the crux of the matter is that you shouldn't cross the Romans. Great vid Metatron, you really nailed it this time!

[@vinnyferro1896]

I love the researchs and way you present the historical facts according with the context and with intelectual honesty ! Greetings from a history lover

[@darrenswindle7258]

Very well done presentation.Always on point,and accurately studied. Thank you for your professionalism

[@chenoaholdstock3507]

As per usual, you handled a very risky topic with great skill and precision. Although I suspect we ultimately disagree on some things, I cannot fault your reasoning, research, or presentation. Brilliant video.

[@bigzed7908]

Why is it risky? Marte protect us if history is now considered risky.

[@chenoaholdstock3507]

@@bigzed7908 Risky because it's very easy to say something that you think is neutral and then have both Christians and atheists and every other religion under the sun screaming at you for not being fair to their perspective, or not being accurate, or not even putting up an argument and calling you stupid. It's terribly easy to not be sensitive and end up offending people, or be too sensitive and then end up being inaccurate.

[@bigzed7908]

@@chenoaholdstock3507 what do you mean by "their perspective"? History means to analyze sources and come up with a reasonable explanation that's as objective as possible. If someone doesn't like it, well tough luck, try giving a better explanation.

[@tiggergolah]

@@chenoaholdstock3507 It is a sad reality that so many people act without maturity and react with rudeness to the facts. Facts don't care about feelings, and mature people adapt to that and strive for clarity rather than "winning" the debate.

[@chenoaholdstock3507]

@@bigzed7908 Well, let's put it this way: I firmly believe that Jesus was real, died, and rose again. My proof is miracles. However, I understand that you may not agree with me. Ultimately, we can both sight our sources, both disagree with the evidence the other presents, supposing that there is a flaw in the other's logic. Thus, we can argue over what I will affectionately termed 'opinions'. One of us is correct, but the internet is not an effective way to debate who.

[@gazlator]

Another superb, brilliantly outlined analysis, Raff !! Might I just add that a subtle distinction could be made; as far as I can see, that the Persians seem to have used crucifixion to display corpses of criminal victims that had already been executed, whereas the the Carthaginians inflicted it upon living criminals - and it was that "method" that the Romans then in turn adopted.

[@AKAZA-kq8jd]

Your channel deserves a lot more attention great video.

[@metatronyt]

Thanks!

[@SmellsLikeTeenPoo]

As a med student I have to say that your medical explanations are valid and well expressed

[@davidstout7846]

Thank You For that History Leston Meditron. You Really do a Wonderful Teaching of it!!

[@dominusblandus]

great video again. precise to the point. no wandering talk around. just information. just how we like it.

[@stevenskorich7878]

Thank you so much! I really am grateful for your relentlessly objective approach to history. I appreciate the attempt to put history on a fully scientific basis, difficult as that is to achieve!

[@metatronyt]

Thank you very much

[@mecurian485]

Thank you for resisting the politically correct terms BCE and CE. There is absolutely nothing wrong with BC and AD.

[@LisaAnn777]

The "politically correct" term? Screw PC I don't give a damn about them. But nor am I a Christian. How's this for political correctness, Abrahamic religions all suck and they just push their crap bronze age ideologies on others then threaten them with a fable of hell for those who don't buy stories of talking snakes and water walking wizards. Christianity and Islam specifically. They have a history soaked in blood and nobody should take their mythology seriously. They did it to themselves. Karma.

[@mecurian485]

@@LisaAnn777 I'm sorry, perhaps you aren't aware of this, but I wasn't talking to you. Neither you nor your opinion are really that important. So tell someone who cares.

[@LisaAnn777]

@@mecurian485 yet you read it already. Ad and bc are dead with or without "PC" lol don't like that? Pray to your imaginary friend.

[@mecurian485]

@@LisaAnn777 😴😴😴

[@LisaAnn777]

@@mecurian485 👍

[@Beastlango]

Loving this series! Keep up the great work.

[@nightowleta1751]

Excellent science based analysis. I particularly enjoy your quotation and translation of Roman texts.

[@nadiasaburov]

Easily the most entertaining channel I’ve found

[@Biblical_Mystery]

As we navigate through life, let's hold onto the comforting truth that God is our constant companion. With Him, we can overcome any obstacles and find strength in the midst of uncertainty. Stay confident, stay blessed. 🌺🙏

[@cmdrtianyilin8107]

An extremely well researched and scholarly engaging video. Thanks for the upload.

[@i25island46]

Didnt realize this was an hour old. Ive been researching this very topic heavily in the past few weeks. Very nice coincidence.

[@MtRevDr]

Suddenly, Thanksgiving Day looks like Easter.

[@williamjenkins4913]

any hot takes on this?

[@dizzydaydream9647]

Fascinating content. I love watching your posts. Thank you 🙏

[@alexandrugheorghe7974]

Great video! I remember reading somewhere that the romans took the practice from germanic tribes who worshipped gods of the earth and believed that if your body was not touching the earth at death, your soul would not go to the afterlife. Until today I was certain that was the origin. Thank you for the great content!

[@theogeronimo7664]

Interesting please give more sauce bc this is some spicy lore

[@julietfischer5056]

@@theogeronimo7664- The Germanic tribes, like many 'barbarians,' had some spicy customs, including human and animal sacrifice. Not that 'civilized' peoples are any less brutal--just less honest about it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_trees_and_groves_in_Germanic_paganism_and_mythology

[@shanegooding4839]

I always thought it was the Persians. Darius I crucified 3000 political prisoners in Babylon around 2500 years ago.

[@fuferito]

Metatron looking especially like a Sicilian Dürer self portrait in this episode.

[@formwiz7096]

Very interesting account. Simcha Jacobovici, a few years ago, detailed the pathology in less in depth terms, but this was at a time when the first bones of a crucified man were discovered and analyzed. This is far more specific and the account that soldiers had to remain until the criminal died vindicates the account of Christ being run through with a pilum. Very good job.

[@murph8411]

It also vindicates that the people who wrote the stories had witnessed crucifixion which is hardly surprising but doesn’t suggest in any way they witnessed this actual crucifixion.

[@chrismiddleton9088]

What an amazing amount of detail on the subject, obviously related to a considerable amount of research. Thank you.

[@tabsinabox]

You have done a tremendous service in the creation of this video, may God bless you greatly sir 🙏❤️🕊️

[@texanamerican101]

I do not think anyone ❤ this guy more than me. In a platonic way 😄 🍻. If you do, then thank you for supporting Metatron as much as I do 🙏

[@metatronyt]

Thanks I appreciate

[@eliavillhabrand]

Mad respect to you man, looking at the historical truth, not being a fundamentalist believing the bible without question, not being an ”internet atheist” denying the truth of the scriptures completely. All thumbs up! 👍👍

[@hankhopeless9062]

What an excellent video. I didn't even know I was interested in the behind-the-curtains of crucifixion

[@JR-ld2xx]

This is the 1st time someone explain it in detail about Jesus, Roman law and a bunch of things that I did not know. I really liked it.

[@hueyiroquois3839]

17:20 According to experiments with cadavers, the tissues of the hand aren't strong enough to support a human body with nails driven through them, and the skeleton of a person who was crucified by the Romans has scratches on the bones which show that the nails (I think that American carpenters would call them spikes) were driven between the radius and the ulna.

[@SamAdamsGhost]

If they were bound by ropes beforehand it wouldn't matter

[@bugfisch7012]

I don't think, that there was one common method at all, but a wide range of different techniques and - that's important - professionalism of the executor. I'm pretty sure, you would see a different technique by a regular legionary, to a professional executor working for the palace ;)

[@martinkominek4421]

Helo, I just want to add some informations about the effects of the nails in human body: 1) If you nail somebody trough his palms, it is highly possible, that his weight will torn apart his metacarps causing fall from the cross. The victim must have been a) tied to the cross with rope, b) nailed trough forearms. 2) If you nail somebody trough foreamrs, there is a possibility of bone fracture. At the age of 33, long bones are filled with yellow bone marrow, which means that bone fracture may leads to the fat emboly. 3) I supose, that infection (Clostridium tetanii, anybody?) may lead to much faster death than exhaustion from respiration failure and respiratory acidosis. But....well done, again, I really enjoy your scientific point of view.

[@Aransun]

Spear was sort of Mercy.. 🤔😇

[@j.p.vanbolhuis8678]

If you start looking in on this subject you find that there are investigations that show that it may very well be possible. What i always find funny is that in modern day we *always* know better than the people living at that time. Romans crucified thousands (if not tens of thousands) through the period of their empire. Yet we know better than them and conclude it cannot be done like the few witness documents we have, state. When was the last time we tried something like that? About 1500 years ago? It is similar like ships from the 17th century... We know so much more than them, so we can build such a ship easily right? Wrong. It takes extensive research to find the solutions they used daily. Why? Because we don't know how they built them we cannot match their building speed. Where a wharf would build several large ships each year, today we take multiple years to build a single ship... And only by cheating through applying modern techniques. We just have lost the knowledge to use the wood the way they knew.

[@GrizrazRex]

Humanity lost an awful lot, in 31 BC. Blame Julius Caesar. It was his order that led to the burning of the library at Alexandria.

[@Ralphie419]

The maps to illustrate the length of the line of crosses from Rome to Capua fail to show Capua and imply that the horror stretched all the way from Rome to Italy's boot heel. Instead the lines of crosses *only* went 40% that distance. Capua is straight north of Naples which IS shown on the 2nd map. So, it was about 120 miles or 200 kilometers of rotting bodies hanging along both sides of the Appian way. The mind reels. Sometimes drawing a rough map to show the needed places and distances is quicker and easier than searching the web for that perfect map, which may not even exist. Excellent video on a tough subject. Thanks.

[@shawnfield6033]

Found your channel today, and to be perfectly honest your content is amazing. Your research is beautifully thorough, and you have a gift for storytelling that is natural and clear with a skosh of humor thrown in here & there.

[@d.m.collins1501]

Very very very very very very good! I was worried you were just going to stick to historical references, but I love that you also covered the medical explanations for how crucifixion would work. FOR FUTURE VIDEOS: I have seen tests on cadavers where the crucifixion basically wasn't possible through nails in the hand--the weight of the body would have ripped their hands right off the nails, long before asphyxiation killed the victim. I believe the theory now is that the nails either went through the forearm, or that the nails, if they were used at all, were cosmetic supplements to the fact that the crucifixion victims' arms were bound by rope. I'd love to know your thoughts or if further research may have proved those initial cadaver tests wrong.

[@lowku6421]

One of the arguments that it was simply an upright stake because his hands would have overlapped and a stake would adequately hold the weight.

[@crighi6631]

or you can put a plnk of wood over the palm before driving the nail through

[@garystanfield2274]

Immanuel died by Jewish Laws, not Roman ones. They were hung by their wrists with rope and hung on a tree until they died.

[@pacco1737]

He is risen

[@pedinurse1]

Thank you, I have heard these exact teachings in our churches, so kuddos to them for being accurate. Thank you for your rigorous work.

[@johnqpublic2718]

Tremendous! I’m so glad I found this channel!

[@ivorybow]

It's hard to comprehend the savagery of crucifixion. One can understand why his followers fled that night in terrror.

[@lazios]

Ivorybow People continue to make the same mistake; judge with today morals what happened centuries ago, it's something that doesn't make sense, we don't have to understand anything, it would be already a great thing to know it (avoiding any judgment). Sorry for my "eng".

[@tomjjackson21]

@@lazios I understand the point you're attempting to convey, but Claiming angst against the crucifixion is nothing more than chronological snobbery is completely ignorant though. There's a plethora of things your argument wouldn't pertain to, this is one. It's unquestionable. I can't even believe you're attempting to make this argument.

[@ivorybow]

@@tomjjackson21 I agree, because time and culture would be irrelevant in that moment if the one saying it was different "then" because of time and culture, was raised himself upon the cross to suffer the horror of that fate. The anguish and magnitude of suffering would be immediate, timeless, and the same for all of us.

[@davidmowers9434]

As a Roman catholic I really like your take on the crucifixion. Its very eye opening and very interesting.

[@deplatformedcrowprinceluna6339]

Salve friend from a fellow Roman Catholic.

[@davidmowers9434]

@@deplatformedcrowprinceluna6339 Salve

[@deplatformedcrowprinceluna6339]

@@davidmowers9434 It’s good see a fellow brethren of our sacred and holy church. May the saints and angels guide you and I will pray for you. Also, I just came to metatron for historical videos too.

[@davidmowers9434]

@@deplatformedcrowprinceluna6339 epic

[@markhill3858]

as a fella molested by a catholic priest .. why do you still follow this pedophile cult exactly? you do know half the first testament is plagiarised from the epic of Gilgamesh right? you really interested in having your eyes opened .. I dare you to read that :) real test of faith wouldnt you say? or sleep on in ignorance believing whatever the pedophiles tell you :)

[@user-vz5mp8hh2d]

I very much enjoy your critical thinking, and analysis of these topics, and your Latin is beautiful to hear..Thanks !

[@IvIRavenIxI]

I didn't necessarily enjoy hearing about how awful it must've been for Jesus to die this way, but I can appreciate the historical significance, and the work you put into researching this topic.

[@adamwashington273]

I know this is a history channel, but I still wanted to say God bless you all.

[@therecanonlybeone7131]

Like that has any meaning

[@LuckyFlesh]

@@therecanonlybeone7131 Stop embarrassing yourself.

[@viperstriker4728]

@@therecanonlybeone7131 Even if you are an atheist would it not have the meaning of giving everyone in the chat his best wishes? Unless your just being nihilistic and holding the belief that even a phrase like "good luck" can't have a positive impact on those around you.

[@TheBarser]

@@viperstriker4728 not really tbh, because we all know how the Christian God feels about none believers. There is no blessing involved, only eternal hell.

[@viperstriker4728]

@@TheBarser That's a pretty harsh interpretation that I would disagree with. But in the context of an atheist, he wouldn't be concerned about what a god he doesn't believe in would think so he would instead be concerned with the intent of the commenter. To get some sort of malice from "God bless" like you imply you have to either believe in God or personify someone else's delusion. Either way I think there will be a correlation with nihilism.

[@zayobayo2175]

Hello, Metatron! Great video! I have a question about a very specific (but important) topic - the burials of crucified victims accused of treason. I am aware that usually crucified victims were not given proper burials as part of the humiliation for their crimes, but there is evidence that in Judea there was wiggle room to appease the local customs (that leaving a body out in the open was bad). However, some argue that if one was accused of treason, NO such exception would be granted, ever. How do you weigh in on this? Are there any data points that could tell us how the bodies of crucifixion victims accused of treason were treated?

[@ausi14u]

Human kind never ceases to amaze me. I can't think why anyone would suggest we need to atone for our evil ways.

[@kim222aburningflameforgod]

My Lord Am So Very Grateful For Your Love And Cover Each And everyone Of Us In THE BLOOD Of Jesus Christ 🙏

[@melissapinol7279]

Serious question: Why Do Evangelical Christians Tend To Use Lots Of Caps ( like this) or ALL CAPS ( like this)? I've noticed it A LOT in certain posts. I'm curious.

[@tomjjackson21]

It's mind blowing that our beautiful savior did this for you.

[@WaterMelon-Cat]

Amen. The torture he went through for us.

[@tomjjackson21]

@@WaterMelon-Cat for you

[@nooneinparticular3370]

Could you make a video about the True Cross? I think it would be a nice followup to this one.

[@FeedScrn]

That was a concise orderly presentation of the process.... I'm impressed.

[@anonymlulz8273]

One of the best channels I discovered

[@johnathansaegal3156]

Excellent synopsis of this form of execution - as a Christian, I greatly appreciate you using non-Christian records, why, because it shows an unbiased view on the historical aspect of the Biblical texts. It requires faith to believe in the Bible, but documented facts only takes reason and understanding of language. If you only used Biblical sourced references, it could be argued that "there's no unbiased facts or evidence", this is why I appreciate the time you spent researching the text of the original Roman documents.

[@bigguy7353]

There are documented historical facts in the Bible. Tons of them.

[@chobai9996]

@@bigguy7353 yeah, but in terms of scientific validity you need multiple outside sources, which do exist and show that the context/history contained in the bible is VERY accurate

[@r0ky_M]

@@bigguy7353 ..while you ignore the contradictions and errors in Bible of which there are plenty.

[@andy-kg5fb]

@@bigguy7353 yeah like the flood that totally happened 4000 years ago.

[@viperstriker4728]

@@andy-kg5fb 6000 is the number I have more commonly heard, it's a very rough estimate though. If your up for it, I will debate you taking the flood side of the argument. For starters we find fossils that cross between multiply rock layers with no signs of erosion, called polystrate fossils. If the rock layers were formed with large gaps of time as commonly thought, then these fossils should show signs of that as they were exposed or the layer should indicate that they were pushed through after the rock layer was formed. We usually don't see evidence this and instead it appears as if these fossils were between both layers, which would require that both layers be formed at the same time as the flood model claims would happen. Then we have unfossilized dino bones that have been found, with some containing red blood cells. These fossil would have had to have formed very quickly to keep the tissue from decomposing completely. And was it was encased in the the rock layers. which helped to preserve the tissue. there is still no evidence that globin found on some of these fossils could have lasted to the dated age of that rock layer. But the flood model claimed that most fossil were formed less then 10,000 years ago which would explain perfectly how the globin survived. There is many more points I can bring up but I figure my 2 favorites are enough to start the discussion.

[@KenzieScarlett]

SUCH A GOOD VIDEO, omg! ✨✨

[@i_smoke_ghosts]

very kenzie!

[@NoName-yw1pt]

Hey, look who's here... 😁

[@229glock]

As always, great stuff. Excellent research and study.

[@LucasStaffel]

Love your videos mate! Love to see the very few accent "mistakes" you make in english as an italian, like "tissue"... most english speakers would say "tisHue" more or less... Also as a brazilian I love to see how close some words from Latin are to Portuguese. Crux > Cruz (cross) crusificação (crucifixion) Crematio > Cremado (cremated) Decollatio > Degolado from degolar (verb)

[@ChadKakashi]

I love how you describe probably one of the most horrible execution methods in existence and right after that the outro is like: All right Noble Ones, I hope you enjoyed the video. And I did. I watched this a few times since it came out and it’s a fascinating subject. As are all your videos.

[@boxingelfis1499]

This was quite straightforward and very informative. There are some subjects you touched on such as the brutal ways people of the past were punished and though this is unrelated, I found myself intrigued about the mental state of those who carried out such punishments. Though I understand that soldiers, policemen and other people who work in security are in similar positions, matters such as execution were dealt with a more "hands on" and message centered approach. So suffice it to say, I wonder whether, depending on the period and whoever was in charge of them, there were more officials and officers dealing with mental health issues than not.

[@keithkannenberg7414]

At a time where brutal punishments were commonplace I suspect the impact on the executioners would be lessened. Not that ancient people wouldn't have felt horror at the sight of crucifixion - the horror was kind of the point.

[@boxingelfis1499]

@@keithkannenberg7414 I see your point. It is my assumtion however, that due to the brutal nature of their job, they would not be able to function normally in day to day society. It seems a difficult thing to me to make a transition from carrying out a crucifixion of your fellow people and then going out for a drink with who will likey be your next victim. Even if they found a way to effectively disassociate themselves from their deeds, I just don't see how they could ignore certain realities of their lives especially when executions were commonplace.

[@keithkannenberg7414]

@@boxingelfis1499 You might be right. I guess my point is that we should be aware that our modern sensibilities and cultural norms sometimes color our assumptions here. There are plenty of things that a 21st century person would be horrified by that were normal and routine once upon a time. For example, capital punishment in general. Lots of folks now consider barbaric but for most of human history just about everyone would have agreed that the appropriate punishment for murder was death (even if they might not have agreed with the methods of execution.

[@chobai9996]

@@boxingelfis1499 well, many records state that executioners in most parts of the world tended to be isolated people, typically having homes on the edge of the city, kinda like a sort of "out of sight, out of mind" deal. I'm sure this meant that a lot of executioners were introverted people, maybe already having some form of mental illness already; many have been said to be narcissistic and sociopathic, as to have pride in this sort of work would involve such brain chemistry. However, most executioners likely did this out of duty, and did not enjoy it

[@boxingelfis1499]

@@keithkannenberg7414 I am inclined to gree with that perspective as well. Especially because I imagine that people back then had to face the real world much earlier than we do today.

[@paullavoie5542]

Not sure why I clicked off last time I watched. Made it more than half way through and today I finished. Liked you're break down of the crucifixion, it was truly horrible what our Lord Jesus went through for us that day. May he be blessed forever. Not that you have a dog in the fight could you do a video detailing the facts of Jesus's existence. It just seems that there are still millions of unbelievers who don't understand that Jesus's historical existence has been proven with out a doubt to be fact and not fiction. Thanks for your videos again. Have a nice day.

[@donwillis9103]

I love hearing you speak the Latin.

[@Aransun]

With really good accent, but I can hear some Southern climb na intonaciji. 😉👏