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Crucifixion as practiced by the Romans could be 'fine-tuned' to prolong of shorten the dying of the victim. Depending on how high the victim's shoulders were in relation to the horizontal part of the cross, the ability to breathe was more or less restricted. The lower the victim's shoulders, the harder it was to breathe. This could only be ameliorated by straightening the legs. Hence the deliberate fracturing of the femurs to precipitate death. Some experimental data may be gained by trying to breathe whilst suspended in a crucifixion-like pose from suitable equipment in the gym. Don't try this at home kids.
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