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Milan ...

As per your post #92, I agree with you on the style of the crosses used at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus. In the Journal of the American Medical Association article that I mentioned in my previous post to you, they illustrate this use of the "Tau" cross (the "T" shaped cross that you spoke of). They show that the crossbeam was strapped to the condemned outstretched arms as it laid across the upper portion of his back and shoulders. It would be akin to you carrying a standard size railroad tie across your shoulders. Couple this immense weight with the open wounds of a scourging with flagrum, and the condemned would probably be in a heaping world of pain. Upon reaching the site of crucifixion, this crossbeam would then be nailed into the vertical portion of the cross while probably laying flat on the ground. The condemned would be nailed hand and foot to it and then it would be lifted upright and the base dropped into a hole dug in the ground. Soil and rocks would then be used as filler in the hole and most likely shims or small posts would be hammered into place to steady the crucifix.

I also have often wondered about the placement of the INRI placard above Jesus' head on the "T" style (Tau style) crucifix. It would seem a bit of an afterthought on the part of the Romans to use a stick to hold up the placard. I would think that something more sturdy would be used. Possibly in the case of Jesus' crucifixion, the Romans weren't in the habit of posting signs above the condemned ... they could have simply used a placard with a rope attatched to it and placed it over the victim's head to be worn around the neck (sort of like a necklace). I would think that various crimes that the condemned committed or was found guilty of would then be listed on it for all those to see well after the person had died. It would serve as a reminder to those who passed by to keep their lives as honorable as possible. To view a rotting corpse with a placard around its neck stating that this person was a thief/murderer/political agitator/etc. would REALLY serve as a visual and moral deterrent. It reminds me of the methods used in the Middle Ages to thwart crime, whereby after one who was executed via the guillotine, would then have their head mounted on a stake and placed on the ramparts of the castle (or along a well traveled road leading into town) to serve as a morbid reminder to all of those who passed by it to keep their lives morally straight.

Regarding the sources Mel Gibson used for his depiction of Jesus' crucifixion in his upcoming film, "The Passion", I am uncertain of them. I want to say that he referred to the accounts of a woman who was a mystic (and I think is now a saint ... though I am not sure), who was able to visualize Christ's Passion. (If anyone knows who this mystic/saint is, please post it on this thread). I am going to do some digging around on the Internet to see if I can locate that JAMA article. I think that it would help illustrate better the theorems that everyone on this thread has been posting.

Thanks again for you time and intelligent posts.

Sincerely, Front 242

Regarding the sources Mel Gibson used for his depiction of Jesus' crucifixion in his upcoming film, "The Passion", I am uncertain of them. I want to say that he referred to the accounts of a woman who was a mystic (and I think is now a saint ... though I am not sure), who was able to visualize Christ's Passion. (If anyone knows who this mystic/saint is, please post it on this thread).

One key piece to Mel pulling his movie together was "The Dolorous Passion" by ANNE CATHERINE EMMERICH . Also, regarding sainthood, "decree of beatification miracle promulgated on 7 July 2003"; she's not yet a Saint. During Mel's EWTN interview, he mentioned another name and despite a few rewinds of the vcr that I made, I could not make out her name. If I come across that information, I'll post it or freepmail you. FReegards!