Crucifixion -

A form of execution developed by the Phoenicians and perfected by the Romans

Jewish leaders executed by strangling, burning, beheading and stoning

stoning would occur after a person was pushed over an 11 foot cliff, and a huge rock was dropped on his chest - and if that didn't kill him, he would be pelted with rocks until dead

hanging was sometimes employed, but usually that meant hanging the body in public for display after being stoned to death....gruesome

rabbi's serving as judges would sentence some one to death for either idolatry or blasphemy

but were usually very reluctant to do so.....and the practice was to fast the day of sentencing in order to be as open to God's voice about the matter as possible......

Yet Jesus was so hated there was no reluctance on the religous leader's part -

but surprisingly the hesitancy came from the occupying Roman ruler Pilate.......

So who was there......near the cross.....in one way or another......??