The most famous is without doubt Jesus, but I believe that the crucifixion of Jesus, and we both just such an EXCLUSIVE symbol of Christianity, Because many people have died on the cross during the time
In the western world today, the cross is associated with Christianity, so much so Islamic countries have the "Red Cresent" in order not to offend the Islamic populace by having the "Red Cross" come in and help.
Early Christians did not use the cross as a symbol of their religion.
And yes it has been used as a method of torture and execution by many many societies both before and after the rise of Christianity (including Islam where it is in use today in some of the more fundementalist societies).
People who wish to be offended will find something to be offended about. I had a friend at a not-for-profit charity where they discussed eliminating the word 'picnic' from the title of the company picnic because it was a term used in the old south for a lynching. Really? Get a life.
We have people here who are of all religions, agnostic (yours truly) and atheistic. We are drawn together by a fascination with the concept and subject of crucifixion. Whether it be sexual, an interest in inflicting pain or having pain inflicted upon them or just a clinical fascination with the subject.
We will see the subject based on our subjective viewpoint (for example I've never understood 'consensual because they love me') but by accepting that other viewpoints exist and exploring them we may broaden our own view of the subject.
Even if it is only to say "Willowfall is so full of crap her eyes are brown (they are)." Again I have flashbacks to a time period I have no personal knowledge because all my brothers were born by 1971 and I didn't show up until 1980.
kisses
willowfall