Calvary

There are two locations most likely considered to be the place of the crucifixion of Jesus. The first is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which has history on its side as being the most likely location. Within 300 years of Jesus’ death, inhabitants of Jerusalem were able to point Constantine’s mother, Queen Helena, to a location they believed was the site of the crucifixion and in A.D. 330 the church was built on that spot. The church remains in that location though it has been rebuilt throughout the years.

Below is a photo of the place likely to be the crucifixion spot. If you look closely to the right and left of the “altar” you will see the “Calvary Rock” enclosed in glass. There is a hole beneath the altar with a hole in the glass – where people line up to touch the rock where our Savior is believed to have died.

Here is an artist’s rendition of what the site would have looked like in the first century and how the layout of the church fits into that topography.

The second possible location and the one that has an emotional connection in its favor is Gordon’s Calvary. Discovered by British General Charles Gordon while looking out of his room atop the northern wall of the Old City, Gordon thought the appearance of the rock façade literally appeared to be a skull complete with eye sockets. The property was purchased a decade later in connection with its proximity to the Garden Tomb.

However in readings by early Church theologian Jerome, it suggests that the phrase “place of the skull” (Matthew 27:33) was best understood by the citizens of Jerusalem as “execution place” and that Golgotha was the location outside of the city where criminals were executed.

Based on historical evidence, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre seems to maintain the strongest ties to the location of Christ’s crucifixion. However we must remember that the fact Jesus was crucified to pay for our sins is more significant than the location.

UNDERSTANDING THE CRUCIFIXION TOOLS
When we think of the crucifixion we often think of the crown of thorns and nails that pierced Jesus’ body.

Above is a picture of a Sayla tree in Israel. Although we don’t know if this was the type of thorn used, it would fit with what a “crown of thorns” would do. The thorns are strong and sharp enough to pierce the skin of the scalp and head.

Below is a picture of how a nail would likely be put through Christ’s foot. Below the full foot skeleton is a small, darker heel bone discovered from the first century. It comes complete with a nail through it. This person was undoubtedly crucified as Jesus was. Unable to remove the nail, this individual was buried with the nail intact.

READING
Read the following passages:

VIDEO
Below is a video of a medical examiner’s description of what the crucifixion of Jesus would have entailed. As you watch the video, imagine what our Savior suffered as he died for your sins and mine.

The Crucifixion – A Medical Perspective