Overview
The remains of Jehohanan, discovered in 1968 during excavations in Jerusalem, represent a profoundly significant archaeological find that provides a direct and tangible connection to the practice of crucifixion in the 1st century CE. This skeletal remains, which include a heel bone with a large iron nail still embedded in it, offer a rare glimpse into the brutal and systematic nature of Roman execution methods during the time of Jesus. The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated, as it provides tangible evidence of the historical practice of crucifixion, a method of execution that is central to the narrative of the New Testament. The discovery of Jehohanan's remains has profound implications for our understanding of the historical context of the biblical narrative, as it confirms the physical reality of crucifixion as a form of capital punishment in the Roman Empire. Today, the remains of Jehohanan are housed in the Israel Antiquities Authority, where they continue to captivate the imagination of scholars and visitors alike, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Jerusalem and the complex dynamics of power and governance in the ancient world.
Inscription
Scholarly Consensus
- Authentic 1st century CE crucifixion victim
- Found in Jerusalem
- Nail through heel bone
- Only archaeological crucifixion evidence
- Confirms Roman crucifixion practice