The first historical record was about 519 BC when King Darius I of Persia (Iran), crucified 3000 political opponents in Babylon. It was later employed by the Greeks especially Alexander the Great and by the Carthaginians from whom the Romans adapted the practice as a punishment for criminal slaves and illegal immigrants.Crucifixion was not introduced into Palestine until Hellenistic times. The Seleucid Antiochus 4th Epiphanes crucified Jews who would not accept Hellenization. The Roman Empire crucified millions of Christians! How many have recognized crucifixion has been revived with hundreds of Christians crucified in Iraq and Syria! As Iran is empowered by the United States look for the Persians to use their old invention to go after more Christians today! Thankyou. James and Hamsa Sasse. GodWhoisGod.com