Description
Many Christians believe that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the place where Jesus was crucified, died, and rose from the dead, although this view has been challenged by others who believe that the Garden Tomb was the place of a skull (Golgotha). According to biblical writers, the place of crucifixion was located outside the walls of Herodian Jerusalem (Heb. 13:12), but near the city (John 19:20), and in a garden (John 19:41). This reconstruction drawing shows an isolated mass of rock in a quarry that was excavated inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, indicating the place of crucifixion. Some rock-cut tombs were found in the sides of the quarry, which was later turned into a garden. Viewed from the west, the Temple Mount formed the backdrop of Golgotha.