Calvary
/ˈkæl.və.ri/noun
A term referring to the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
Did you know?The name "Calvary" comes from the Latin 'Calvaria', which is derived from the Aramaic 'Golgotha', meaning 'place of the skull', linked to ancient burial practices and the macabre symbolism of mortality.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
Calvaria
“A term referring to a skull or a skull-like place.”
1st Century
Greek
Γολγοθᾶ (Golgothā)
“The site where Jesus was crucified, meaning 'place of the skull'.”
Old English
Old English
Cēol
“A ship; indirectly related through journeys and battles.”
Middle English
Middle English
Calvarie
“Adoption of the Latin term into English to denote the site of crucifixion.”
Modern English
English
Calvary
“The established term for the crucifixion site in Christian theology, symbolizing sacrifice and redemption.”