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The gospels refer to Golgotha as “the place of the skull” (Luke 23:33, Matt. 27:33, Mark 15:22) which in Latin is Calvariæ Locus, from which the English word Calvary derives. Golgotha was located outside Jerusalem’s early first century walls and is where Jesus was crucified (Mark 15:22; Matthew 27:33; Luke 23:33; John 19:17). It was near enough to the city that people entering/leaving the city could read the inscription on the sign hung above Jesus’ head which said ‘Jesus of Nazareth – King of the Jews’ (John 19:20).

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