The concept of crucifixion seems straightforward enough, but is “crucify” a correct translation of σταυρόω? For what were people crucified, and when did this punishment arise? Did it occur in the ancient Near East, or in the Roman Empire prior to Jesus? How do the Latin terms crux and patibulum relate to the Greek noun σταυρός? If you thought this whole crucifixion thing was straightforward, meet these three WUNT monographs from Mohr Siebeck that will unsettle you… or maybe not. Chapman and Schnabel’s The Trial and…