Then, as now, ordering and overseeing executions was the role of leadership. The messy and unpleasant work of performing those executions were done by the grunts... most likely members of the Auxilia.
The recruitment of non citizens into the official army first occurred under Augustus at the establishment of the Empire roughly 30 years before Christ's birth. Eventually, the Auxilia constituted something like 90% of the Army's head count. However, at the time of the crucifixion it was at least 50-75%.
They weren't very diverse at the time of Christ. That was later, and it was disastrous for military discipline in the long run.
At the time of Christ, legionnaires had to be free born Romans. Latins and trusted foreigners served in auxiliaries which were kept lightly armed.
Then, as now, ordering and overseeing executions was the role of leadership. The messy and unpleasant work of performing those executions were done by the grunts... most likely members of the Auxilia.
The recruitment of non citizens into the official army first occurred under Augustus at the establishment of the Empire roughly 30 years before Christ's birth. Eventually, the Auxilia constituted something like 90% of the Army's head count. However, at the time of the crucifixion it was at least 50-75%.