Jesus was crucified at a place called Golgotha on the afternoon before Passover (Matt. 27:33, Mark 15:22, John 19:17). He hung on the cross while Passover lambs were being butchered in the Temple (Jeremias Joachim). It was the day of preparation for the Passover. Golgotha is from the Aramaic "Gulgulta," meaning "place of the skull."

This hill north and east of the Damascus Gate of the Old City has been described as a probable site of Golgotha, the skull shaped hill.  Another probable site is the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Sepulchre that was founded during the time of Constantine in the fourth century and is currently within the walls of Jerusalem. The Herodian era walls were also inside of the current walls of Jerusalem.

During the late 19th century, General Charles Gordan of Great Britain tried to go to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but was denied access. While walking around the vicinity of Jerusalem he saw a skull shaped hill outside of the Damascus Gate and the Turkish walls of Jerusalem. He thought this hill is the Golgotha described in the Gospels.

  "Gordon's Calvary" c. 1900 -- The cliff face appears like a skull.