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Ossuary of "Yehohanan son of Hagkol" with Heel bone and nail

UnknownHerodian Period

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Israel

In a burial cave in north Jerusalem, an ossuary was discovered inscribed with the name "Yehohanan son of Hagkol." The iron nail embedded in the right heel bone indicates that Yehohanan was put to death by crucifixion, the torturous and humiliating method used by the Romans to execute rebels, murders, and thieves. Even though thousands of people were executed in this matter, this is the only archaeological evidence that has reached us. The bones of the deceased allow us to recreate his method of crucifixion: his legs were nailed to the sides of the crucifixion post, while his hands were tied or nailed to the crossbar.

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  • Title: Ossuary of "Yehohanan son of Hagkol" with Heel bone and nail
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: Herodian Period
  • Location: Jerusalem
  • Type: Ossuary, heel bone, nail
  • Rights: Israel Antiquities Authority, Photo © Israel Museum, Jerusalem
  • External Link: Israel Museum, Jerusalem
  • Medium: Soft lime stone, bone iron and wood
  • Dimensions: Ossuary: L: 57; W: 34 cm Nail: L: 12 cm
  • Curator: Mevorah, David
The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

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