The name "Golgotha" could have been adopted since, historically, this place may have originally been a place of public executions where the skulls of the executed could be seen; or, perhaps the name may have been derived from a neighboring cemetery, or may have been connected with the shape of the ground, a hill which may have resembled a skull. According to tradition, Golgotha was the burial place of Adam's skull <ref>Rev. Dr. Nicon D. Patrinacos (M.A., D.Phil. (Oxon)). ''A Dictionary of Greek Orthodoxy - Λεξικον Ελληνικης Ορθοδοξιας''. Light & Life Publishing, Minnesota, 1984. pp.181</ref> and a shrine exists at this site.The location was identified in 326 AD by Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great. It was on the northwest side of the ancient city.<ref>[http://www.gospel-mysteries.net/golgotha.html Golgotha]</ref>