Calvary

Golgotha (Church of the Holy Sepulchre)

File:Altar of the Crucifixion in The Church of The Holy Sepulchre.ogv

Голгофа

Illustration from Views in the Ottoman Dominions by Luigi Mayer, digitally enhanced by rawpixel-com 65

Jerusalem Christian Quarter

Calvary, also known as Golgotha, holds significant importance in Christianity as the site outside of Jerusalem's walls where Jesus Christ was crucified. The name "Calvary" is derived from the Latin calvaria, meaning "skull", which translates the Aramaic Golgotha. This location is mentioned in all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) of the New Testament.

Biblical Accounts

According to the New Testament, Calvary was the site immediately outside Jerusalem's walls where Jesus was crucified alongside two criminals. The Gospels suggest that Jesus carried his cross from the Roman praetorium to this location, where he was crucified at around 9 in the morning and died by approximately 3 in the afternoon. The exact location of Calvary has been a subject of debate, but traditional Christian belief places it at the site where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre now stands.

Historical and Archaeological Evidence

The identification of Calvary as the crucifixion site dates back to the early Christian community in Jerusalem. According to Eusebius of Caesarea, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great's mother, Helena, discovered the True Cross at this site in the 4th century, leading to the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Archaeological investigations have revealed that the area was indeed a burial ground outside the city walls at the time of Jesus's crucifixion, lending historical credence to the biblical accounts.

Significance in Christianity

Calvary is central to Christian theology, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity's sins. The crucifixion, death, and subsequent resurrection of Jesus are foundational to Christian beliefs about salvation, atonement, and eternal life. Pilgrimages to Calvary, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, are a key aspect of Christian devotion, reflecting on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Cultural Impact

The image of Calvary has been depicted extensively in Christian art, literature, and liturgy. It serves as a powerful symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption, resonating deeply with Christian worshippers and influencing various aspects of Christian culture and tradition.

See Also

• Crucifixion of Jesus
• Christianity
• Jerusalem
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Pilgrimage