Where did the crucifixion of Jesus occur?

Where Did the Crucifixion of Jesus Occur?

1. The Biblical Terminology and Setting

In the Gospels, the location of Jesus’ crucifixion is consistently called “Golgotha.” Matthew 27:33 records, “And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull).” This same designation is found in Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33 (though Luke simply calls it “the place called The Skull”), and John 19:17: “Carrying His own cross, He went out to The Place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).”

The word “Golgotha” likely comes from the Aramaic gulgaltā, meaning “skull,” which the Gospel writers translate as “Place of the Skull.” It was situated outside the city walls of Jerusalem (Hebrews 13:12 references that Jesus “suffered outside the gate”), near an area that was accessible enough for passersby to witness the crucifixion. John 19:20 emphasizes that “many of the Jews read this sign,” suggesting the location was near a public thoroughfare.

2. Traditional Identification: The Church of the Holy Sepulcher

From at least the fourth century AD, the traditional site for both the crucifixion and resurrection has been where the Church of the Holy Sepulcher now stands in the Old City of Jerusalem. Early Christian historians such as Eusebius (fourth century) referred to this location as the site Emperor Constantine’s mother, Helena, identified as Golgotha. She oversaw excavations that led to the building of a church to commemorate the place of the crucifixion and tomb.

Archaeological evidence, including excavations beneath the church, shows what appear to be remnants of a stone quarry and tombs dating to the first century. Scholars note that even though the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is currently within the walls of present-day Jerusalem, in the first century this area lay outside the city walls, consistent with biblical accounts (John 19:20 and Hebrews 13:12).

3. Alternative Suggested Site: Gordon’s Calvary and the Garden Tomb

In the late 19th century, British general Charles Gordon proposed an alternative location north of the Damascus Gate. Known as “Gordon’s Calvary,” this rocky outcrop appears to resemble the shape of a skull, and there is a nearby tomb complex referred to as the Garden Tomb. Proponents of this view highlight the visible “skull-like” features and a garden area, aligning it with John’s mention of a garden near the crucifixion site (John 19:41).

Though the Garden Tomb site has become a popular pilgrimage location, the majority of historians and archaeologists still lean toward the Church of the Holy Sepulcher as the location better supported by historical and archaeological data. Nevertheless, many visitors find in the Garden Tomb setting a reflective place to recall the events recorded in Scripture.

4. The Significance of “Outside the City”

Scripture emphasizes that Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem’s city gates. Hebrews 13:12 states, “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood.” This fulfills the Old Testament typology of sacrifices performed outside the camp (cf. Leviticus 4:12, 21). Whether physically mapped onto today’s Old City boundaries or the first-century walls, the consistent witness is that Jesus’ crucifixion took place outside the gate of the Jerusalem of that day.

Secular historical accounts, such as those from first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, further confirm that Roman executions typically occurred in public places near city gates or major roads, to serve as a warning to the populace. This lines up with John 19:20 mentioning that many read the inscription on Jesus’ cross because “the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city.”

5. Archaeological and Historical Corroborations

• Excavations near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher have revealed first-century tombs and limestone quarries, indicating that this area was on the outskirts of Jerusalem at the time.

• Ancient writings from as early as the second century reference Christians worshiping at or venerating sites in the area where the Church of the Holy Sepulcher now stands.

• Roman-era inscriptions, including those referencing the existence of a quarry-turned-cemetery, fit well with the biblical details of Golgotha’s terrain.

While debate over the precise spot continues in some circles, the historic Christian tradition and the weight of archaeological and literary evidence lean strongly toward what is today known as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

6. Theological and Devotional Implications

The location itself, whether one identifies it with the Church of the Holy Sepulcher or an alternative site like Gordon’s Calvary, invites reflection on the reality of Jesus’ crucifixion. The New Testament consistently teaches that His suffering and subsequent resurrection form the crux of salvation. Scripture insists it happened in real time and space—an event observable by onlookers, recorded in multiple historical accounts, and culminating in the empty tomb.

The crucifixion site embodies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s sacrifice. In passages like Isaiah 53:5, we read, “But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities.” This points to the deeper significance of Golgotha: that God’s eternal plan for redemption reached its climax at this literal place, in the crucifixion of the incarnate Son.

7. Conclusion: A Historical and Spiritual Landmark

The crucifixion of Jesus most likely occurred just outside Jerusalem’s ancient walls at a place known as Golgotha, or “the Place of the Skull.” The most widely attested site is enshrined beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Some believe in the alternate site known as Gordon’s Calvary. However, the key point emphasized across Scripture and corroborated by historical, archaeological, and textual evidence is that Jesus was crucified in a verifiable location near Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy and ushering in salvation through His atoning death.

That tangible event—grounded in history and supported by biblical texts, traditional testimony, and archaeological research—is central to the Christian faith. As John 19:30 declares, “When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.” The place where He spoke these words, though variously identified, remains a central focal point of Christian belief, symbolizing the reconciling act of God in Christ to rescue humankind.