Gunnar Samuelsson investigates the philological aspects of how ancient Greek, Latin and Hebrew/Aramaic texts depict crucifixions. A survey of the texts shows that there has been too narrow a view of the 'crucifixion' terminology. The various terms do not only refer to 'crucify' and 'cross.' They are used much more diversely. Hence, most of the crucifixion accounts that scholars cite in the ancient literature have to be rejected, leaving only a few. 'Gunnar Samuelsson has a rare distinction, for his work received attention, perhaps even notoriety, prior to its publication. Apart from the reports on subject specific blogs, the content of this thesis was being communicated through global media outlets such as CNN and Pravda. [...] The breadth of primary data assembled will be of great benefit to subsequent generations of scholars.' Paul Foster in The Expository Times 123 (3) 2011, 122-124

Born 1966; 1992 Pastor and Missionary Degree; 1997 BA and MTh at the University of Gothenburg; 2000 MA; 2010 ThD; Senior Lecturer in New Testament Studies at the Department of Literature, History of Ideas and Religion, University of Gothenburg.