Did Jesus Die by Suffocation?: An Appraisal of the Evidence

Abstract

A majority of medical and lay articles regarding crucifixion, and specifically the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, now state that suffocation was the primary cause of death from crucifixion. An in-depth analysis reveals that this theory is based on a form of torture unrelated to crucifixion and that no evidence directly linking suffocation to crucifixion has been published. Indeed, a thorough review of available ancient evidence from literature, artwork, graffiti, and modern archeology and re-enactment studies reveals no evidence in favor of suffocation and much evidence against suffocation as the cause of death in typically-portrayed crucifixions, and particularly for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Researchers are encouraged to look elsewhere for the most likely cause or causes of death from crucifixion. It may be time to abandon the idea that suffocation was the primary cause of death in crucifixion.