Was Jesus Crucified on an Oak Cross?

Possibility of oak

• Oak forests existed in Ancient Israel, according to Irene and Walter Jacob in the "Anchor Bible Dictionary." We do not know what species of oak was native to Israel, but records indicate that the wood was used for shipbuilding, tools and construction.
  
  

Possibility of olive wood

• In 1968, archaeologist N. Haas discovered the remains of a crucified man. Haas claims, based on the residue left on the nails, the cross was made of olive wood. Jacob points out that olive was plentiful in Ancient Israel and the wood was used for utensils, ornaments (because of its rich grain) and construction.
  
  

Probable Wood

• Roman executioners probably used oak for their crosses. Although very hard, olive trees had very gnarled trunks and did not grow very high. Oak grew taller and straighter. The executioners re-used the uprights and crossbeams many times and oak would provide planks strong and thick enough to be used in many crucifixions.