The Death that makes a Difference

We can accept that Jesus really died on the cross because:

1. Jesus' execution was performed by the ruling powers of the day: The Apostle John records that the crucifixion was performed on the hill of Golgotha (also called Calvary) overlooking Jerusalem during the Roman occupation of Israel, during the reign of Tiberius, and on the Day of Preparation, the Friday preceding the Jewish feast of Passover. Note that each of these times, people, and places can be found in other historical documents. (No Once upon a time here)
2. Jesus' execution was consistent with centuries-old prophecy: John in John 19:31-42 gave an account of Jesus' death  that fulfilled the plans of God. John was careful to note that he is a truthful eyewitness and that what was happening to Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecies recorded long time before. Note the significance - Not only did the death of Christ occur at the hands of real people at a specific point in history, the event fulfilled prophecies of which the executioners (ie Romans) were UNAWARE..
3. Jesus burial was consistent with the custom of the day: John detailed how Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus carefully brought down the body of Christ and took about 75 pound of myrrh and aloes mixture and wrapped the body of Jesus with the spices in strips of linen in accordance to Jewish burial customs AND in a NEW, UNUSED tomb. Such details would not be seen in a myth.

Did a man named Jesus literally die on a Roman cross?