From Haaretz:
The crucifixion of Jesus was a significant event in the life of the high priest, Jacobovici notes, and finding the nails is “like finding a soccer ball in the burial chamber of Pele in Brazil in 2,000 years.”
However, according to Joe Zias, who served as curator at the Antiquities Authority for 25 years, the nails which Jacobovici is presenting in his movie were dug up in a different location, more than 30 years ago. Furthermore, the nails found in Caiaphas’ burial cave, and cited in an article published on the dig by archaeologist Dr. Zvi Greenhut, were lost after the excavation 21 years ago. Greenhut and staff at the Antiquities Authority deduce that the two nails in question have no scientific or other significance: Many like them have been found in archaeological digs of the Roman period and are not even cataloged, they say.
[…]
Zias also says that the nails, which are 8 cm. long, could not have been used for crucifixion because they are too short. He says that it is most likely that Jesus was in fact tied to the cross and not nailed, because in that era nails were expensive although the wood used in crosses were reused.
The full story is here. Gordon Franz has covered most of this already.
HT: Joe Lauer
One thought on “The Nails: Zias vs Jacobovici”
Nir's comment contradicts scripture. Scripture specifically speaks about Jesus telling Thomas to check the holes in his hands, feet, and sides.
So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."
After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing."
John 20:24-27
I have heard of ropes being used before but only in conjunction with nails, in helping with keeping the limbs in place. Try holding someones hands in place (on a cross) with rope only.
I'm not sure what justification Nir has for the rope only comment. But there's many things I don't know about…