By sacrificing himself at the Crucifixion Christ redeemed Mankind. After three days in the tomb, Christ rose from the dead (see the entry for Resurrection).
His death on the cross is described in all four Gospels and is of central importance in Christian doctrine. After his arrest and trial by Pontius Pilate, Christ was displayed to the Jews (see the entry for Ecce Homo), who cried out 'Crucify him'.
The place of crucifixion was outside the city walls at Golgotha. There Christ was nailed to the cross which was set up between the crosses of two thieves, one of whom was converted. Above the cross was an inscription which read 'This is the King of the Jews'.
The Crucifixion is not always depicted as a narrative event, and is sometimes represented symbolically with saints of different periods in attendance.
