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All Site ContentMacbethAct 1Scene 2
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"Golgotha"
Context and Language Videos
Act 1,
Scene 2
Lines 34-42

An explanation of the reference to Golgotha in Act 1, Scene 2 of myShakespeare's Macbeth.

myShakespeare | Macbeth 1.2 Historical Reference: Golgotha

Duncan

Dismayed not this our captains, Macbeth and Banquo?

Sergeant

Yes, as sparrows eagles, or the hare the lion.
If I say sooth, I must report they were
As cannons overcharged with double cracks, so they
Doubly redoubled strokes upon the foe.
Except they meant to bathe in reeking wounds,
Or memorize another Golgotha,
I cannot tell — but I am faint,
My gashes cry for help.
Video Transcript: 

RALPH: According to the Bible, Golgotha is the name of the place where Jesus was crucified.

DAVINA:  “Golgotha” comes from the Hebrew word for “skull”, because the shape of the hill in Jerusalem where criminals were executed resembled a human skull.

RALPH: And that’s why the death of Jesus is often referred to as Calvary, since the Latin word for skull is calvaria.

DAVINA:  The mention of Golgotha in this scene brings to mind a place synonymous with death and misery.