Crucifixion, as a means of execution, is not unique to the Romans. It is, however, by coincidence, a useful part of Pauls' new mystery cult.

The general perception of Jesus' execution is that he was flogged, then dressed in a purple robe, given a reed as a sceptre and a 'crown of thorns'. The 'royal regalia', presented as mockery in (much later eidtions of) the Gospels, marks Jesus as a Sacred King. As does the flogging, since it is essential that his blood drips on the Earth as he waks through the fields. On reaching the hill, he is stripped of his regalia except the crown. This meets one condition: neither clothed nor naked. He is then placed on the Cross: neither in Heaven, nor on Earth.. Bread dipped in wine is offered to his lips: neither feasting nor fasting. With the conditions met he is killed with a spear-thrust.

By contrast, his counterpart, Judas, is disembowelled in the open field so that his blood fertilises them.

The Bible obfuscates much, for poitical and other reasons. Add to this the general alterations and adjustments made while spreading the religion across the known world, and later attempts to purge 'pagan' elements, and much is lost. Enough remains, however, to speculate that Jesus might once have been the Summer King, and Judas the Winter King, of mediterranean vegetation cults and more northerly solar ones.

One can speculate much, the truth is probably unreachable.