Historical evidence for the crucifixion under pliate as well as a discussion. http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/63458/1.ashx
Historical evidence? Part of what's listed is from the Bible. That's not 'historical evidence'.
I had to take a New Testament class when I was doing my undergrad degree and at the end of the class we had to do a lengthy research paper. I chose to do mine on the search for the 'historical' Jesus. Basically, is there independent evidence that Jesus existed (apart from that in the Bible)? It was very enlightening, because the answer is: No, not really. Some of the very well-known passages by historians such as Josephus and Tacitus that talk about Jesus are heavily suspected to have been inserted in later manuscripts by Christian transcribers. I was able to find three uncontested references to Jesus in writings of the time, and one of those is ambiguous about whether it's THE Jesus or another man named Jesus.
Tacitus and Pliny both lived and wrote well into the second century, so it's theorized that their writings are based more on hearsay and current beliefs than actual knowledge of Jesus. Josephus' well-known passage about "Jesus was the Christ" and how he "performed many wonderful things" has been verified with very little doubt to have been put in by a later Christian transcriber. (There are entire books written on this passage).
Keep in mind, though, that Jesus and his followers would have garnered very little attention AT THE TIME he existed because he was thought to be just another trouble maker, forming a sect, claiming to be the Messiah, of which there were many in that day. Also, he was executed as a common criminal, thus not being noteworthy of mention at all.
It wasn't until years after his death and the rapid rise of Christianity that his name even became noteworthy. The most supportive evidence of Jesus' existance then is simply the rise of Christianity. Obviously this 'sect' was following the teachings of someone, and it is well-documented that the Romans persecuted the followers of the 'superstition' of Christianity. It is also well-documented that the Romans were worried about the effects of Christianity on their way of life. Obviously it was making great strides and had become a nuisance. If Jesus didn't exist, where did Christianity come from, and why was it called "Christianity"? Why were Christians in ancient Rome willing to be thrown to the lions, used for sport in the gladatorial games, or even, as Nero did, be used as human torches to light the streets of Rome if they weren't convinced that Jesus had existed?
It's all interesting speculation, but it really comes down to faith.
