For centuries, Christians have revered a rocky hill just outside Jerusalem as the site where Jesus Christ was crucified. Known as Golgotha — or “the place of the skull” — this mysterious location remains one of the most sacred and debated landmarks in Christian history.
According to the Bible, after Jesus was sentenced to death by Roman governor Pontius Pilate, he was led to Golgotha where he was nailed to the cross. But the exact whereabouts of this hill continue to stir debate among religious scholars, despite centuries of tradition pointing to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
What Is Golgotha?
Golgotha is referenced multiple times in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Often also referred to as Calvary, the name itself means “place of the skull” — but what that phrase actually signifies is still up for interpretation.
One theory is that Golgotha earned its name because it was a known site for executions, where the heads of condemned individuals were often displayed. This idea was proposed by early Christian writer Jerome, who lived in the fourth century. However, there’s little archaeological evidence to support this, especially since Jewish customs of the time would have required proper burial of the dead.
Another possibility is more visual: the landscape itself might resemble a skull. Some believe the area’s rock formations have hollowed-out shapes that look like eye sockets or a mouth, giving the hill a skull-like appearance.
A third, more symbolic explanation ties Golgotha to Adam — the first man in the Bible. Some early Christian traditions hold that Adam was buried at this very site, and thus Jesus was crucified at the same location, adding a layer of spiritual symmetry to the story.
While scholars may not agree on the origin of the name, the Bible is firm in identifying Golgotha as the place where Jesus died.
Jesus’ Final Hours
The crucifixion narrative is among the most significant moments in the New Testament. All four Gospels describe Jesus being forced to carry his cross to Golgotha before being nailed to it.
In Matthew, we read: “They came to a place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’)… When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
Mark and John recount similar details. John specifically adds that Jesus was crucified alongside two others, “one on each side and Jesus in the middle.”
After Jesus’ death, the Gospels say that his body was handed over to Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy follower, who laid him in a nearby tomb. This tomb, guarded by Roman soldiers, is said to be the very place where Jesus rose from the dead three days later — marking the cornerstone of Christian belief.
The Ongoing Search for the True Golgotha
So where exactly did these events unfold?
In the fourth century, Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine, traveled to Jerusalem to find out. Guided by local tradition and historical clues, she identified the location believed to be Jesus’ burial site. Pagan shrines were demolished, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built in their place — a structure that still stands today.
The church is said to contain both the site of Golgotha and the tomb of Jesus. Visitors can see the “Rock of Calvary” and a revered tomb believed to be the one used by Joseph of Arimathea.
Yet, not everyone is convinced. Some point out that John 19:20 mentions Golgotha as being “near the city,” while Hebrews 13:12 says Jesus died “outside the gate.” Since the Church of the Holy Sepulchre now lies within Jerusalem’s walls, critics argue the true Golgotha must be elsewhere.
One alternative theory is Gordon’s Calvary — a hill that resembles a skull and sits near an ancient burial site known as the Garden Tomb. Although this site aligns with some biblical descriptions, archaeologists argue the tomb dates to a period before Jesus’ time.
Faith Over Geography
While the debate over Golgotha’s precise location continues, many Christians believe the exact spot matters less than the event itself.
As Grace Communion International explains, “We cannot know with 100 percent certainty, and it is not important that we know. Salvation does not hinge on a particular location, but on the reality of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Whether atop a skull-shaped hill or within the stone walls of the Holy Sepulchre, Golgotha remains a powerful symbol of sacrifice, redemption, and faith.
