Crucifixion began with the Medes and Persians in the 600s BC. It spread to the eastern Mediterranean in the 300s BC through Alexander the Great. It became the main form of capital punishment in the Roman Empire until AD 337, when Constantine banned the practice.
Crucifixion was slow, shameful, and full of pain. Sometimes a victim stayed alive for several days. Birds and dogs might even begin to eat the body before the person died. A victim could be tied to the cross with ropes or fastened with nails. Nails were used in the crucifixion of Jesus (Luke 24:39; John 20:25, 27; see Colossians 2:14). To prevent early death from loss of breathing, a place to rest the feet or a seat was often added to the post.
All four Gospels report that the soldiers divided his garments among themselves.