Page "Crucifixion" Paragraph 12

While a crucifixion was an execution, it was also a humiliation, by making the condemned as vulnerable as possible.

Although artists have depicted the figure on a cross with a loin cloth or a covering of the genitals, writings by Seneca the Younger suggest that victims were crucified completely nude.

When the victim had to urinate or defecate, they had to do so in the open, in view of passers-by, resulting in discomfort and the attraction of insects.

Despite its frequent use by the Romans, the horrors of crucifixion did not escape mention by some of their eminent orators.

Cicero for example, described crucifixion as " a most cruel and disgusting punishment ", and suggested that " the very mention of the cross should be far removed not only from a Roman citizen ’ s body, but from his mind, his eyes, his ears.