Most of what is known about crucifixion comes from written records. This find is important because it provides visible clues about crucifixion. According to some written accounts, some victims of crucifixion were nailed to the cross. Analyses of this young man’s bones led researchers to conclude that he was tied to the cross instead. This shifted the focus from injuries caused by nails to the problem wrought by being tied up—suffocation. In addition, because of the short length of the nail, researchers suggest that the man’s ankles were nailed on the cross separately, one on either side of the upright beam. This suggests that the man’s legs would have been in a position in which his legs were bent slightly at the knee.