Crucifixion is a method of capital punishment in which the victim is tied or nailed to a large wooden cross or beam and left to hang until eventual death.[1][2] It was used as a punishment by the Persians, Carthaginians and Romans,[1] among others. Crucifixion has been used in parts of the world as recently as the 21st century.[3] The crucifixion of Jesus is central to Christianity,[1] and the cross (sometimes depicting Jesus nailed to it) is the main religious symbol for many Christian churches.