# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:00,921 00:00:02,512 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
2 00:00:02,521 00:00:04,279 Mastrelli: The holy grail. Mastrelli: The holy grail.
3 00:00:04,354 00:00:06,479 Christianity's ultimate relic. Christianity's ultimate relic.
4 00:00:07,954 00:00:12,199 Said to be the cup used by jesus christ at the last supper Said to be the cup used by jesus christ at the last supper
5 00:00:12,274 00:00:14,759 And lost for thousands of years. And lost for thousands of years.
6 00:00:16,034 00:00:18,599 Many have searched for it, Many have searched for it,
7 00:00:18,674 00:00:22,959 But there are some who claim to know exactly where it is. But there are some who claim to know exactly where it is.
8 00:00:24,514 00:00:27,079 Could this cup, in a church in Spain, Could this cup, in a church in Spain,
9 00:00:27,154 00:00:29,519 In fact be the holy grail? In fact be the holy grail?
10 00:00:30,441 00:00:34,199 Now, using forensic and historic analysis, Now, using forensic and historic analysis,
11 00:00:34,274 00:00:37,159 Experts trace this chalice back to the place Experts trace this chalice back to the place
12 00:00:37,234 00:00:39,919 Where jesus spent his final hours. Where jesus spent his final hours.
13 00:00:41,641 00:00:46,119 Is this cup the latest in a long line of false claims? Is this cup the latest in a long line of false claims?
14 00:00:46,194 00:00:50,999 Or could the hunt for the holy grail finally be over? Or could the hunt for the holy grail finally be over?
15 00:00:55,714 00:00:59,159 For centuries, the mysteries of the past For centuries, the mysteries of the past
16 00:00:59,234 00:01:04,199 Have kept their secrets, but there are clues: Have kept their secrets, but there are clues:
17 00:01:04,594 00:01:08,079 Cast in gold; etched in stone; Cast in gold; etched in stone;
18 00:01:09,161 00:01:10,559 Written in blood. Written in blood.
19 00:01:14,201 00:01:15,999 We can unlock them. We can unlock them.
20 00:01:32,841 00:01:34,592 The search for the holy grail The search for the holy grail
21 00:01:34,601 00:01:38,592 Consumed knights and crusaders, inspired myths and legends, Consumed knights and crusaders, inspired myths and legends,
22 00:01:38,601 00:01:42,432 And fueled bestselling novels and blockbuster films. And fueled bestselling novels and blockbuster films.
23 00:01:42,441 00:01:44,992 Some say it offers immortality. Some say it offers immortality.
24 00:01:45,001 00:01:47,072 Others claim it's less a cup Others claim it's less a cup
25 00:01:47,081 00:01:50,512 And more a symbol of the secret bloodline of christ. And more a symbol of the secret bloodline of christ.
26 00:01:50,521 00:01:51,952 Often called a chalice, Often called a chalice,
27 00:01:51,961 00:01:54,199 The grail, in its most common definition, The grail, in its most common definition,
28 00:01:54,274 00:01:56,112 Is the ceremonial drinking vessel Is the ceremonial drinking vessel
29 00:01:56,121 00:01:58,832 Used by jesus at the last supper. Used by jesus at the last supper.
30 00:01:58,841 00:02:00,759 Barely mentioned in the bible, Barely mentioned in the bible,
31 00:02:00,834 00:02:02,919 The holy grail eventually becomes The holy grail eventually becomes
32 00:02:02,994 00:02:04,759 An important religious symbol An important religious symbol
33 00:02:04,834 00:02:07,479 And the sole object of an ancient quest. And the sole object of an ancient quest.
34 00:02:10,674 00:02:15,392 The holy grail is the focus of the first ever communion. The holy grail is the focus of the first ever communion.
35 00:02:15,401 00:02:18,079 The core ritual of the christian religion. The core ritual of the christian religion.
36 00:02:19,321 00:02:22,199 Robin griffith jones is the senior cleric Robin griffith jones is the senior cleric
37 00:02:22,274 00:02:24,832 At the temple church in london. At the temple church in london.
38 00:02:24,841 00:02:26,272 Jones: It really does become Jones: It really does become
39 00:02:26,281 00:02:28,192 The sort of heartbeat of christian life. The sort of heartbeat of christian life.
40 00:02:28,201 00:02:29,632 It's like a heartbeat, you know, It's like a heartbeat, you know,
41 00:02:29,641 00:02:34,519 Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.
42 00:02:34,594 00:02:35,792 Mastrelli: But what happened Mastrelli: But what happened
43 00:02:35,801 00:02:37,399 To the cup used at the last supper? To the cup used at the last supper?
44 00:02:38,521 00:02:42,272 From the earliest times it's been sought after. From the earliest times it's been sought after.
45 00:02:42,281 00:02:46,199 Today, that quest for the holy grail has begun anew, Today, that quest for the holy grail has begun anew,
46 00:02:46,274 00:02:50,279 Led, this time, not by knights, but by scholars. Led, this time, not by knights, but by scholars.
47 00:02:52,834 00:02:54,759 New evidence suggests that, New evidence suggests that,
48 00:02:54,834 00:02:57,312 For centuries after jesus' death, For centuries after jesus' death,
49 00:02:57,321 00:03:00,432 A special cup was venerated in jerusalem A special cup was venerated in jerusalem
50 00:03:00,441 00:03:02,759 In the church of the holy sepulchre. In the church of the holy sepulchre.
51 00:03:04,194 00:03:06,272 The church is built on the site where, The church is built on the site where,
52 00:03:06,281 00:03:11,039 The gospels claim, christ died, was buried and rose again. The gospels claim, christ died, was buried and rose again.
53 00:03:12,361 00:03:14,359 Expert on early christianity, Expert on early christianity,
54 00:03:14,434 00:03:17,312 Joan taylor, has uncovered an inventory Joan taylor, has uncovered an inventory
55 00:03:17,321 00:03:19,719 Of the holy sepulchre church commissioned Of the holy sepulchre church commissioned
56 00:03:19,794 00:03:24,759 By the holy roman emperor charlemagne in the year 909 a.D. By the holy roman emperor charlemagne in the year 909 a.D.
57 00:03:25,161 00:03:28,672 Almost 900 years after jesus died. Almost 900 years after jesus died.
58 00:03:28,681 00:03:33,712 The inventory records the holy relics inside the church. The inventory records the holy relics inside the church.
59 00:03:33,721 00:03:36,519 Taylor: It just gives you some of the details Taylor: It just gives you some of the details
60 00:03:36,594 00:03:38,512 Of the church of the holy sepulchre Of the church of the holy sepulchre
61 00:03:38,521 00:03:40,912 In terms of who does what In terms of who does what
62 00:03:40,921 00:03:43,079 Regarding the priests and the wardens. Regarding the priests and the wardens.
63 00:03:43,154 00:03:47,559 So, in the holy sepulchre there are 14 deacons, So, in the holy sepulchre there are 14 deacons,
64 00:03:47,634 00:03:51,079 41 monks, 12 attendants who carry candles 41 monks, 12 attendants who carry candles
65 00:03:51,154 00:03:54,199 Before the patriarch, 17 servants. Before the patriarch, 17 servants.
66 00:03:54,274 00:03:56,759 Mastrelli: And one detail in the record jumps out. Mastrelli: And one detail in the record jumps out.
67 00:03:56,834 00:04:00,032 Taylor: We can see here in this list Taylor: We can see here in this list
68 00:04:00,041 00:04:04,679 It has an indication that there are two wardens required It has an indication that there are two wardens required
69 00:04:06,354 00:04:08,079 For the chalice. For the chalice.
70 00:04:10,274 00:04:12,279 So, there is a room in which the chalice So, there is a room in which the chalice
71 00:04:12,354 00:04:14,839 Is kept in the early ninth century. Is kept in the early ninth century.
72 00:04:16,194 00:04:18,279 Mastrelli: A chalice with a room to itself Mastrelli: A chalice with a room to itself
73 00:04:18,354 00:04:20,079 Inside the holy sepulchre. Inside the holy sepulchre.
74 00:04:21,154 00:04:23,519 Could this vessel be the holy grail? Could this vessel be the holy grail?
75 00:04:24,441 00:04:27,319 This inventory is a critical piece of evidence. This inventory is a critical piece of evidence.
76 00:04:29,401 00:04:33,079 And there's a good reason to take this inventory seriously. And there's a good reason to take this inventory seriously.
77 00:04:33,154 00:04:35,719 It's an administrative document. It's an administrative document.
78 00:04:35,794 00:04:37,312 Taylor: It's a great document. Taylor: It's a great document.
79 00:04:37,321 00:04:41,479 It is simply a plain accounting document. It is simply a plain accounting document.
80 00:04:41,554 00:04:42,832 It's a dossier. It's a dossier.
81 00:04:42,841 00:04:45,799 It's not designed for any purpose It's not designed for any purpose
82 00:04:45,874 00:04:47,399 Other than keeping a record. Other than keeping a record.
83 00:04:48,601 00:04:49,879 Mastrelli: The theory that the cup Mastrelli: The theory that the cup
84 00:04:49,954 00:04:52,199 Stayed in jerusalem is compelling. Stayed in jerusalem is compelling.
85 00:04:52,274 00:04:54,672 After all, this is the place After all, this is the place
86 00:04:54,681 00:04:58,592 Where many believe jesus spent his final hours. Where many believe jesus spent his final hours.
87 00:04:58,601 00:05:00,112 Taylor: In the minds of the faithful, Taylor: In the minds of the faithful,
88 00:05:00,121 00:05:01,712 The church of the holy sepulchre The church of the holy sepulchre
89 00:05:01,721 00:05:03,232 Was this place that was considered Was this place that was considered
90 00:05:03,241 00:05:04,992 The center of the world. The center of the world.
91 00:05:05,001 00:05:07,319 This was the focus. This was the focus.
92 00:05:07,394 00:05:11,199 So, pilgrims came from far and wide to come to this place. So, pilgrims came from far and wide to come to this place.
93 00:05:13,874 00:05:16,272 Mastrelli: A map, drawn by one of these pilgrims Mastrelli: A map, drawn by one of these pilgrims
94 00:05:16,281 00:05:18,119 Back in the seventh century, Back in the seventh century,
95 00:05:18,194 00:05:21,159 Supports the claim that thousands believed Supports the claim that thousands believed
96 00:05:21,234 00:05:22,879 The cup was held here. The cup was held here.
97 00:05:23,721 00:05:27,632 It shows a chamber with a chalice, a chamber that, It shows a chamber with a chalice, a chamber that,
98 00:05:27,641 00:05:30,672 After centuries of crusades and conquests, After centuries of crusades and conquests,
99 00:05:30,681 00:05:32,519 No longer exists today. No longer exists today.
100 00:05:33,401 00:05:36,519 An architectural drawing from the seventh century, An architectural drawing from the seventh century,
101 00:05:36,594 00:05:40,832 An inventory from the ninth, it's still scant evidence An inventory from the ninth, it's still scant evidence
102 00:05:40,841 00:05:43,479 To prove the holy grail's existence, To prove the holy grail's existence,
103 00:05:43,554 00:05:46,399 Let alone point us to where the chalice stands today. Let alone point us to where the chalice stands today.
104 00:05:48,601 00:05:53,159 But now, almost 2,000 years after the last supper, But now, almost 2,000 years after the last supper,
105 00:05:53,234 00:05:55,839 A historian claims to have solved the mystery A historian claims to have solved the mystery
106 00:05:57,001 00:05:58,239 And found the grail. And found the grail.
107 00:06:00,201 00:06:02,112 Torres: You are in front of history. Torres: You are in front of history.
108 00:06:02,121 00:06:04,192 The history of jesus christ. The history of jesus christ.
109 00:06:04,201 00:06:06,032 The history of christendom. The history of christendom.
110 00:06:06,041 00:06:09,439 The history of the cup of christ and the holy grail. The history of the cup of christ and the holy grail.
111 00:06:10,681 00:06:12,999 Mastrelli: Spanish historian margarita torres Mastrelli: Spanish historian margarita torres
112 00:06:13,074 00:06:17,232 Came to this controversial conclusion in 2014 Came to this controversial conclusion in 2014
113 00:06:17,241 00:06:19,799 When she chanced upon a medieval text When she chanced upon a medieval text
114 00:06:19,874 00:06:21,879 Hidden in a library in egypt. Hidden in a library in egypt.
115 00:06:23,081 00:06:25,479 Torres: We have this section... Torres: We have this section...
116 00:06:25,554 00:06:26,992 Mastrelli: Written in arabic, Mastrelli: Written in arabic,
117 00:06:27,001 00:06:30,352 This document refers to an event 150 years This document refers to an event 150 years
118 00:06:30,361 00:06:31,799 After the cup disappears After the cup disappears
119 00:06:31,874 00:06:33,839 From the church of the holy sepulchre. From the church of the holy sepulchre.
120 00:06:35,321 00:06:39,159 Torres: Here we have the first document found in cairo. Torres: Here we have the first document found in cairo.
121 00:06:39,234 00:06:41,719 It is written in parchment. It is written in parchment.
122 00:06:41,794 00:06:45,079 Mastrelli: There is one line that stands out. Mastrelli: There is one line that stands out.
123 00:06:45,154 00:06:46,912 Torres: Here is said, Torres: Here is said,
124 00:06:46,921 00:06:50,559 "the cup that the christians call the cup of the messiah." "the cup that the christians call the cup of the messiah."
125 00:06:51,481 00:06:53,879 Mastrelli: This is the first possible reference Mastrelli: This is the first possible reference
126 00:06:53,954 00:06:57,159 To the cup of christ after 909 a.D. To the cup of christ after 909 a.D.
127 00:06:58,434 00:07:01,399 The text tells the story of a muslim entourage The text tells the story of a muslim entourage
128 00:07:01,474 00:07:03,479 Giving the cup to a king in Spain. Giving the cup to a king in Spain.
129 00:07:05,081 00:07:07,919 The king of leon, ferdinand the great. The king of leon, ferdinand the great.
130 00:07:09,401 00:07:11,679 Torres: When I read this line, Torres: When I read this line,
131 00:07:13,001 00:07:15,159 "his intention was to send it "his intention was to send it
132 00:07:15,234 00:07:17,679 "to the king of leon, ferdinand the great," "to the king of leon, ferdinand the great,"
133 00:07:19,801 00:07:22,599 I feel a very strange sensation I feel a very strange sensation
134 00:07:22,674 00:07:26,112 Because we are talking about the cup of christ Because we are talking about the cup of christ
135 00:07:26,121 00:07:29,119 Sent to one of our king. Sent to one of our king.
136 00:07:30,834 00:07:33,439 Mastrelli: But why would the cup be in muslim hands? Mastrelli: But why would the cup be in muslim hands?
137 00:07:35,081 00:07:37,479 Rising tension between christians and muslims Rising tension between christians and muslims
138 00:07:37,554 00:07:41,152 In 11th century jerusalem led to the looting of churches In 11th century jerusalem led to the looting of churches
139 00:07:41,161 00:07:43,479 And a chance for sacred relics And a chance for sacred relics
140 00:07:43,554 00:07:45,559 To fall into muslim possession. To fall into muslim possession.
141 00:07:47,161 00:07:48,519 Taylor: The looting was phenomenal, Taylor: The looting was phenomenal,
142 00:07:48,594 00:07:50,359 But it went hand in hand But it went hand in hand
143 00:07:50,434 00:07:53,399 With an enormous persecution of christians in palestine With an enormous persecution of christians in palestine
144 00:07:53,474 00:07:55,479 At the beginning of the 11th century. At the beginning of the 11th century.
145 00:07:56,921 00:07:58,679 Mastrelli: But if the cup was looted, Mastrelli: But if the cup was looted,
146 00:07:58,754 00:08:02,239 Why would it then be handed to a christian king in Spain? Why would it then be handed to a christian king in Spain?
147 00:08:05,641 00:08:08,752 In 1055, Spain is divided. In 1055, Spain is divided.
148 00:08:08,761 00:08:12,439 Muslims rule the south and christians the north. Muslims rule the south and christians the north.
149 00:08:13,881 00:08:17,152 Leon is the most powerful christian kingdom and its king, Leon is the most powerful christian kingdom and its king,
150 00:08:17,161 00:08:21,439 Ferdinand, is looking to push south into muslim kingdoms. Ferdinand, is looking to push south into muslim kingdoms.
151 00:08:24,121 00:08:27,312 The document reveals that a muslim ruler of denia, The document reveals that a muslim ruler of denia,
152 00:08:27,321 00:08:30,352 In the south of Spain, gave the cup of christ In the south of Spain, gave the cup of christ
153 00:08:30,361 00:08:34,319 To king ferdinand in a bid to prevent any possible invasion. To king ferdinand in a bid to prevent any possible invasion.
154 00:08:38,514 00:08:40,512 The events outlined in the document The events outlined in the document
155 00:08:40,521 00:08:43,519 Fit with what we know of the history of the time. Fit with what we know of the history of the time.
156 00:08:46,441 00:08:50,279 Today, museums in leon contain many examples Today, museums in leon contain many examples
157 00:08:50,354 00:08:54,719 Of medieval gifts sent to ferdinand from the muslim world. Of medieval gifts sent to ferdinand from the muslim world.
158 00:08:57,154 00:08:58,832 Henderson: Gifts during the medieval period Henderson: Gifts during the medieval period
159 00:08:58,841 00:09:02,679 Between royal houses symbolized great diplomatic links Between royal houses symbolized great diplomatic links
160 00:09:02,754 00:09:04,679 Between the different royal houses. Between the different royal houses.
161 00:09:04,754 00:09:06,672 Not just between christian kingdoms, Not just between christian kingdoms,
162 00:09:06,681 00:09:09,359 But between the christian and muslim kingdoms, too. But between the christian and muslim kingdoms, too.
163 00:09:11,634 00:09:13,472 Mastrelli: Archeologist julian henderson Mastrelli: Archeologist julian henderson
164 00:09:13,481 00:09:18,192 Also suspects that this cup, found in the leon church, Also suspects that this cup, found in the leon church,
165 00:09:18,201 00:09:20,992 Was the one gifted to ferdinand. Was the one gifted to ferdinand.
166 00:09:21,001 00:09:23,632 He believes the clue is written into the gold He believes the clue is written into the gold
167 00:09:23,641 00:09:26,752 In a set of inscribed letters. In a set of inscribed letters.
168 00:09:26,761 00:09:28,992 Henderson: Looking very closely at the inscription, Henderson: Looking very closely at the inscription,
169 00:09:29,001 00:09:32,679 It seems to say, "urraca ferdinandi." It seems to say, "urraca ferdinandi."
170 00:09:34,201 00:09:37,719 Urraca was ferdinand the first's daughter. Urraca was ferdinand the first's daughter.
171 00:09:37,794 00:09:40,679 Clearly it was dedicated to her. Clearly it was dedicated to her.
172 00:09:40,754 00:09:42,679 So, we actually are able to date it So, we actually are able to date it
173 00:09:42,754 00:09:45,119 Without any doubt to the 11th century. Without any doubt to the 11th century.
174 00:09:46,434 00:09:48,272 Mastrelli: The inscription links the cup Mastrelli: The inscription links the cup
175 00:09:48,281 00:09:51,119 Directly to ferdinand and his family. Directly to ferdinand and his family.
176 00:09:52,121 00:09:54,032 But there is a problem. But there is a problem.
177 00:09:54,041 00:09:57,799 If the gold can be dated to the 11th century a.D., If the gold can be dated to the 11th century a.D.,
178 00:09:57,874 00:09:59,392 Then how could this cup have been used Then how could this cup have been used
179 00:09:59,401 00:10:02,279 At the last supper in the first century a.D.? At the last supper in the first century a.D.?
180 00:10:04,441 00:10:07,072 For centuries, the story of the holy grail For centuries, the story of the holy grail
181 00:10:07,081 00:10:09,319 Was wrapped up in the legends of king arthur Was wrapped up in the legends of king arthur
182 00:10:09,394 00:10:11,079 And an epic, but hopeless quest And an epic, but hopeless quest
183 00:10:11,154 00:10:14,439 To regain the most sacred relic in christianity. To regain the most sacred relic in christianity.
184 00:10:14,514 00:10:16,592 But now, thanks to the discovery But now, thanks to the discovery
185 00:10:16,601 00:10:18,599 Of a remarkable series of clues, Of a remarkable series of clues,
186 00:10:18,674 00:10:21,799 The holy grail no longer seems elusive The holy grail no longer seems elusive
187 00:10:21,874 00:10:23,799 And the clues keep rolling in. And the clues keep rolling in.
188 00:10:23,874 00:10:27,072 Could an inscription, found on a chalice in leon, Spain, Could an inscription, found on a chalice in leon, Spain,
189 00:10:27,081 00:10:30,559 Support the view that it was once used by jesus christ? Support the view that it was once used by jesus christ?
190 00:10:40,201 00:10:41,399 Henderson: The golden parts of it Henderson: The golden parts of it
191 00:10:41,474 00:10:42,999 Were made in the 11th century, Were made in the 11th century,
192 00:10:43,074 00:10:44,672 So it's absolutely impossible. So it's absolutely impossible.
193 00:10:44,681 00:10:47,472 It couldn't have been used in the last supper. It couldn't have been used in the last supper.
194 00:10:47,481 00:10:49,879 Mastrelli: But the goldsmith who made this chalice Mastrelli: But the goldsmith who made this chalice
195 00:10:49,954 00:10:54,672 Used his craft to conceal it, as well as decorate it. Used his craft to conceal it, as well as decorate it.
196 00:10:54,681 00:10:59,359 Henderson: If you look closely, it's made out of gold and stone. Henderson: If you look closely, it's made out of gold and stone.
197 00:11:00,594 00:11:02,879 This is really quite exceptional in many ways. This is really quite exceptional in many ways.
198 00:11:04,361 00:11:07,239 Mastrelli: The original is too valuable to handle, Mastrelli: The original is too valuable to handle,
199 00:11:07,314 00:11:09,712 But a precise replica allows henderson But a precise replica allows henderson
200 00:11:09,721 00:11:11,279 To reveal its contents. To reveal its contents.
201 00:11:12,674 00:11:16,359 Henderson: When I lift the top off, it reveals a bowl. Henderson: When I lift the top off, it reveals a bowl.
202 00:11:16,434 00:11:18,199 In the original it's made of onyx. In the original it's made of onyx.
203 00:11:18,274 00:11:20,512 It's very highly polished. It's very highly polished.
204 00:11:20,521 00:11:23,279 An impressive piece of craftsmanship. An impressive piece of craftsmanship.
205 00:11:24,761 00:11:27,392 Mastrelli: But is this stone cup also medieval Mastrelli: But is this stone cup also medieval
206 00:11:27,401 00:11:29,232 Or could it be older? Or could it be older?
207 00:11:29,241 00:11:32,439 There is no scientific way to date stone precisely. There is no scientific way to date stone precisely.
208 00:11:33,554 00:11:35,799 Henderson: If we're trying to date something like this, Henderson: If we're trying to date something like this,
209 00:11:35,874 00:11:38,832 We would need to do it stylistically. We would need to do it stylistically.
210 00:11:38,841 00:11:43,392 The stone cup is potentially a lot earlier. The stone cup is potentially a lot earlier.
211 00:11:43,401 00:11:47,399 The cup itself could easily be of an early roman date. The cup itself could easily be of an early roman date.
212 00:11:48,281 00:11:51,152 Mastrelli: Experts believe the polished onyx cup Mastrelli: Experts believe the polished onyx cup
213 00:11:51,161 00:11:55,079 Matches the style of cups used at the time of jesus. Matches the style of cups used at the time of jesus.
214 00:11:55,154 00:11:57,399 Henderson: The amount of effort that's gone into decorating it Henderson: The amount of effort that's gone into decorating it
215 00:11:57,474 00:12:00,439 Clearly indicated it had great importance. Clearly indicated it had great importance.
216 00:12:02,754 00:12:05,072 Mastrelli: Evidence suggests king ferdinand Mastrelli: Evidence suggests king ferdinand
217 00:12:05,081 00:12:08,272 Believed this cup to be the genuine grail Believed this cup to be the genuine grail
218 00:12:08,281 00:12:10,032 And that it was only covered in gold And that it was only covered in gold
219 00:12:10,041 00:12:12,879 After arriving in leon in 1055. After arriving in leon in 1055.
220 00:12:18,121 00:12:21,312 For torres, the clinching evidence for this For torres, the clinching evidence for this
221 00:12:21,321 00:12:25,392 Lies at the site where the cup was kept for centuries, Lies at the site where the cup was kept for centuries,
222 00:12:25,401 00:12:28,199 The royal vaults of the san isidoro church. The royal vaults of the san isidoro church.
223 00:12:30,841 00:12:35,079 Ferdinand's daughter, urraca, the one named on the chalice, Ferdinand's daughter, urraca, the one named on the chalice,
224 00:12:35,154 00:12:36,679 Built this as a private chapel Built this as a private chapel
225 00:12:36,754 00:12:38,919 For the tombs of leon's royalty. For the tombs of leon's royalty.
226 00:12:39,874 00:12:43,119 At its heart is this ceiling fresco. At its heart is this ceiling fresco.
227 00:12:44,674 00:12:48,519 Torres: The main painting is the last supper, Torres: The main painting is the last supper,
228 00:12:48,594 00:12:50,032 And this is not common And this is not common
229 00:12:50,041 00:12:53,312 Because we have a very special last supper. Because we have a very special last supper.
230 00:12:53,321 00:12:54,592 Mastrelli: For centuries, Mastrelli: For centuries,
231 00:12:54,601 00:12:56,999 Its significance has been overlooked. Its significance has been overlooked.
232 00:12:57,074 00:13:01,799 But torres's discovery casts the fresco in a new light. But torres's discovery casts the fresco in a new light.
233 00:13:01,874 00:13:03,792 Torres: If you look to jesus christ, Torres: If you look to jesus christ,
234 00:13:03,801 00:13:07,199 Who is in the middle, he has no chalice. Who is in the middle, he has no chalice.
235 00:13:08,841 00:13:11,079 Mastrelli: But set apart in the corner of the painting Mastrelli: But set apart in the corner of the painting
236 00:13:11,154 00:13:13,072 Is a male figure. Is a male figure.
237 00:13:13,081 00:13:15,479 He is named in latin as cup bearer He is named in latin as cup bearer
238 00:13:16,434 00:13:19,479 And he holds in his hands a small dark vessel. And he holds in his hands a small dark vessel.
239 00:13:20,594 00:13:25,072 Torres: He is offering the chalice to jesus christ. Torres: He is offering the chalice to jesus christ.
240 00:13:25,081 00:13:29,119 And just the color is exactly the same as our chalice. And just the color is exactly the same as our chalice.
241 00:13:32,194 00:13:33,472 Mastrelli: The cup depicted in the painting Mastrelli: The cup depicted in the painting
242 00:13:33,481 00:13:35,879 Looks very similar to the onyx cup Looks very similar to the onyx cup
243 00:13:35,954 00:13:38,559 Enclosed in the chalice in the leon church. Enclosed in the chalice in the leon church.
244 00:13:39,801 00:13:42,272 The discovery is tantalizing. The discovery is tantalizing.
245 00:13:42,281 00:13:43,799 If torres is right, If torres is right,
246 00:13:43,874 00:13:47,079 The arabic parchment reveals a long-lost truth: The arabic parchment reveals a long-lost truth:
247 00:13:48,521 00:13:51,799 That the cup venerated for centuries in jerusalem, That the cup venerated for centuries in jerusalem,
248 00:13:51,874 00:13:55,519 Survived and found its way here to leon in northern Spain. Survived and found its way here to leon in northern Spain.
249 00:13:59,241 00:14:02,839 But is this really the same cup that, records show, But is this really the same cup that, records show,
250 00:14:02,914 00:14:06,399 Was in the church of the holy sepulchre in 909 a.D.? Was in the church of the holy sepulchre in 909 a.D.?
251 00:14:11,801 00:14:13,799 Joan taylor has studied the accounts Joan taylor has studied the accounts
252 00:14:13,874 00:14:15,799 Of early pilgrims to jerusalem Of early pilgrims to jerusalem
253 00:14:15,874 00:14:18,199 And their descriptions of holy relics. And their descriptions of holy relics.
254 00:14:20,434 00:14:23,159 Taylor: Pilgrimage was like tourism today Taylor: Pilgrimage was like tourism today
255 00:14:23,234 00:14:25,392 And they had guides, And they had guides,
256 00:14:25,401 00:14:27,079 They had pilgrim accounts They had pilgrim accounts
257 00:14:27,154 00:14:29,719 Where people had written what they had seen. Where people had written what they had seen.
258 00:14:30,681 00:14:32,999 Mastrelli: Remarkably, taylor has found one Mastrelli: Remarkably, taylor has found one
259 00:14:33,074 00:14:36,599 Particularly revealing account from the sixth century. Particularly revealing account from the sixth century.
260 00:14:36,674 00:14:38,999 Taylor: In the year 570 there was a pilgrim Taylor: In the year 570 there was a pilgrim
261 00:14:39,074 00:14:41,392 Who came from piacenza to jerusalem Who came from piacenza to jerusalem
262 00:14:41,401 00:14:45,319 And this pilgrim wrote quite a detailed account. And this pilgrim wrote quite a detailed account.
263 00:14:46,681 00:14:49,559 Mastrelli: He notes something remarkable about christ's cup. Mastrelli: He notes something remarkable about christ's cup.
264 00:14:52,681 00:14:55,959 Taylor: The interesting thing is that he actually describes it Taylor: The interesting thing is that he actually describes it
265 00:14:56,034 00:14:59,479 As the stone cup made of onyx. As the stone cup made of onyx.
266 00:15:00,754 00:15:03,359 We haven't got that in any other pilgrim account. We haven't got that in any other pilgrim account.
267 00:15:04,361 00:15:06,832 Mastrelli: It is the oldest known physical description Mastrelli: It is the oldest known physical description
268 00:15:06,841 00:15:11,639 Of the holy grail and it matches the leon cup. Of the holy grail and it matches the leon cup.
269 00:15:11,714 00:15:13,152 Torres: This is fantastic. Torres: This is fantastic.
270 00:15:13,161 00:15:17,079 The material of the cup of christ is onyx The material of the cup of christ is onyx
271 00:15:17,154 00:15:19,872 And we say, "wow, onyx, incredible!" And we say, "wow, onyx, incredible!"
272 00:15:19,881 00:15:22,912 It's the same material of our chalice. It's the same material of our chalice.
273 00:15:22,921 00:15:23,879 It's another coincidence? It's another coincidence?
274 00:15:23,954 00:15:24,759 No. No.
275 00:15:26,914 00:15:30,839 Mastrelli: Margarita torres is convinced this onyx cup in leon Mastrelli: Margarita torres is convinced this onyx cup in leon
276 00:15:30,914 00:15:33,872 Was the one seen by the pilgrim of piacenza Was the one seen by the pilgrim of piacenza
277 00:15:33,881 00:15:37,079 In the holy sepulchre in 570 a.D. In the holy sepulchre in 570 a.D.
278 00:15:38,674 00:15:43,399 But another major question remains: Could the onyx cup, But another major question remains: Could the onyx cup,
279 00:15:43,474 00:15:47,072 Described by the pilgrim and held in the holy sepulchre, Described by the pilgrim and held in the holy sepulchre,
280 00:15:47,081 00:15:50,039 Really have been used at the last supper? Really have been used at the last supper?
281 00:15:50,114 00:15:52,359 Or would an onyx cup have been too rare Or would an onyx cup have been too rare
282 00:15:52,434 00:15:54,279 And too valuable for jesus? And too valuable for jesus?
283 00:16:02,834 00:16:06,039 In a hunt for clues, historian james tabor In a hunt for clues, historian james tabor
284 00:16:06,114 00:16:08,919 Visits the site in jerusalem long held Visits the site in jerusalem long held
285 00:16:08,994 00:16:11,199 To be where jesus had the last supper. To be where jesus had the last supper.
286 00:16:13,314 00:16:16,319 Only its foundations date to the first century a.D. Only its foundations date to the first century a.D.
287 00:16:19,154 00:16:21,312 And there are few clues of the actual house And there are few clues of the actual house
288 00:16:21,321 00:16:23,839 Where jesus last ate with his disciples. Where jesus last ate with his disciples.
289 00:16:26,434 00:16:29,079 But tabor is excavating a similar house But tabor is excavating a similar house
290 00:16:29,154 00:16:32,279 Just 300 yards away. Just 300 yards away.
291 00:16:32,354 00:16:34,919 It's so close, tabor believes jesus It's so close, tabor believes jesus
292 00:16:34,994 00:16:36,879 Might have walked on this very ground. Might have walked on this very ground.
293 00:16:38,281 00:16:42,119 Tabor: If we imagine jesus on the night of the last supper, Tabor: If we imagine jesus on the night of the last supper,
294 00:16:42,194 00:16:43,799 He's staying in bethany He's staying in bethany
295 00:16:43,874 00:16:46,519 And the most direct route going up to the upper room And the most direct route going up to the upper room
296 00:16:46,594 00:16:49,552 Would be right, right by this area. Would be right, right by this area.
297 00:16:49,561 00:16:52,512 Mastrelli: It's in the center of the old city of jerusalem. Mastrelli: It's in the center of the old city of jerusalem.
298 00:16:52,521 00:16:55,952 Tabor: We've been digging here for about a decade Tabor: We've been digging here for about a decade
299 00:16:55,961 00:17:00,959 And we're getting now down to the lower levels of a mansion, And we're getting now down to the lower levels of a mansion,
300 00:17:01,234 00:17:02,999 A priestly mansion. A priestly mansion.
301 00:17:03,074 00:17:05,792 A very wealthy person's home. A very wealthy person's home.
302 00:17:05,801 00:17:08,352 Mastrelli: And on this site, tabor and his team Mastrelli: And on this site, tabor and his team
303 00:17:08,361 00:17:11,999 Are starting to uncover items from the time of jesus. Are starting to uncover items from the time of jesus.
304 00:17:12,841 00:17:14,112 Tabor: It's stamped all over Tabor: It's stamped all over
305 00:17:14,121 00:17:17,712 With the artifacts of the period. With the artifacts of the period.
306 00:17:17,721 00:17:20,192 We've found hundreds of coins. We've found hundreds of coins.
307 00:17:20,201 00:17:23,392 We've even found coins of pontius pilate, We've even found coins of pontius pilate,
308 00:17:23,401 00:17:27,759 Who was the governor of judea at the time of jesus. Who was the governor of judea at the time of jesus.
309 00:17:29,161 00:17:31,079 Mastrelli: Like the house of the last supper, Mastrelli: Like the house of the last supper,
310 00:17:31,154 00:17:32,679 This house had an upper room This house had an upper room
311 00:17:32,754 00:17:34,479 And belonged to someone wealthy. And belonged to someone wealthy.
312 00:17:35,554 00:17:38,439 And tabor is finding clues that shed light And tabor is finding clues that shed light
313 00:17:38,514 00:17:40,919 On the kind of cups they drank from. On the kind of cups they drank from.
314 00:17:40,994 00:17:43,632 Tabor: We've also found stone vessels. Tabor: We've also found stone vessels.
315 00:17:43,641 00:17:47,399 This is the fine dishware of the roman period. This is the fine dishware of the roman period.
316 00:17:47,474 00:17:49,872 Now the stone vessels are more expensive, Now the stone vessels are more expensive,
317 00:17:49,881 00:17:53,239 But they're also a mark of holiness, of ritual purity. But they're also a mark of holiness, of ritual purity.
318 00:17:55,081 00:17:56,832 Mastrelli: Jewish customs banned drinking Mastrelli: Jewish customs banned drinking
319 00:17:56,841 00:17:59,039 From vessels that could absorb liquid. From vessels that could absorb liquid.
320 00:18:01,001 00:18:03,879 Jones: There are rules in jewish ritual law Jones: There are rules in jewish ritual law
321 00:18:03,954 00:18:05,639 About not using a porous material About not using a porous material
322 00:18:05,714 00:18:06,999 Which can allow ritual Which can allow ritual
323 00:18:07,074 00:18:08,599 Defilement and impurities to enter. Defilement and impurities to enter.
324 00:18:08,674 00:18:11,392 So, it would not have been made of porous wood, So, it would not have been made of porous wood,
325 00:18:11,401 00:18:13,632 At least, nor unglazed pottery, At least, nor unglazed pottery,
326 00:18:13,641 00:18:16,439 Because too many ritual impurities come in. Because too many ritual impurities come in.
327 00:18:16,514 00:18:17,312 Stone? Stone?
328 00:18:17,321 00:18:18,832 Yes, perhaps. Yes, perhaps.
329 00:18:18,841 00:18:23,119 Or something metallic or, indeed, something, Or something metallic or, indeed, something,
330 00:18:23,714 00:18:26,199 Some semi-precious material. Some semi-precious material.
331 00:18:26,274 00:18:27,792 Tabor: This area in particular Tabor: This area in particular
332 00:18:27,801 00:18:29,952 And where jesus ate the last supper, And where jesus ate the last supper,
333 00:18:29,961 00:18:34,192 Stone vessels are the tableware of choice, Stone vessels are the tableware of choice,
334 00:18:34,201 00:18:36,912 Because it's a priestly area. Because it's a priestly area.
335 00:18:36,921 00:18:40,599 So, we don't absolutely know for sure, So, we don't absolutely know for sure,
336 00:18:40,674 00:18:42,999 But because of this area I think there's a good chance But because of this area I think there's a good chance
337 00:18:43,074 00:18:45,792 That the cup from which jesus drank That the cup from which jesus drank
338 00:18:45,801 00:18:47,519 Would have been made out of stone. Would have been made out of stone.
339 00:18:48,601 00:18:50,912 Mastrelli: The discovery of stone cups, Mastrelli: The discovery of stone cups,
340 00:18:50,921 00:18:53,799 Along with what we know of jewish ritual law at the time, Along with what we know of jewish ritual law at the time,
341 00:18:55,241 00:18:57,632 Seems to support the idea that jesus Seems to support the idea that jesus
342 00:18:57,641 00:19:00,199 Would have used a stone vessel at the last supper. Would have used a stone vessel at the last supper.
343 00:19:01,714 00:19:03,959 But many remain unconvinced But many remain unconvinced
344 00:19:04,034 00:19:06,999 That it could have been made from semi-precious onyx, That it could have been made from semi-precious onyx,
345 00:19:07,074 00:19:09,959 Like the roman era cup now in leon, Spain. Like the roman era cup now in leon, Spain.
346 00:19:11,074 00:19:13,872 Taylor: I mean, to have a beautiful onyx cup, Taylor: I mean, to have a beautiful onyx cup,
347 00:19:13,881 00:19:16,759 You would have to be a prince. You would have to be a prince.
348 00:19:16,834 00:19:18,512 You would have to be the high priest. You would have to be the high priest.
349 00:19:18,521 00:19:20,279 You would have to be absolutely You would have to be absolutely
350 00:19:20,354 00:19:22,799 At the top echelon of society. At the top echelon of society.
351 00:19:23,801 00:19:26,199 Mastrelli: James tabor believes the location Mastrelli: James tabor believes the location
352 00:19:26,274 00:19:28,959 Of the last supper reveals this was the case. Of the last supper reveals this was the case.
353 00:19:29,954 00:19:32,759 Jesus himself may have been a humble prophet, Jesus himself may have been a humble prophet,
354 00:19:32,834 00:19:37,472 But evidence suggests he may have had rich supporters. But evidence suggests he may have had rich supporters.
355 00:19:37,481 00:19:39,872 Tabor: It's somebody's house. Tabor: It's somebody's house.
356 00:19:39,881 00:19:44,032 We're here on mount zion, the highest point in the city. We're here on mount zion, the highest point in the city.
357 00:19:44,041 00:19:46,679 Whoever owned this house was quite wealthy. Whoever owned this house was quite wealthy.
358 00:19:47,881 00:19:50,279 They must be a supporter of jesus. They must be a supporter of jesus.
359 00:19:51,474 00:19:53,472 Mastrelli: And it is possible that a wealthy home Mastrelli: And it is possible that a wealthy home
360 00:19:53,481 00:19:54,839 Would have had cups Would have had cups
361 00:19:54,914 00:19:57,119 Made from a semi-precious stone like onyx. Made from a semi-precious stone like onyx.
362 00:20:00,354 00:20:03,799 Many threads of evidence, the arabic documents, Many threads of evidence, the arabic documents,
363 00:20:03,874 00:20:07,552 The pilgrim account, the style of the cup itself, The pilgrim account, the style of the cup itself,
364 00:20:07,561 00:20:10,759 All lend support to the idea that the leon cup All lend support to the idea that the leon cup
365 00:20:10,834 00:20:13,879 Might be the vessel used by jesus. Might be the vessel used by jesus.
366 00:20:13,954 00:20:18,759 But, to place this cup in jesus' hands in about 30 a.D., But, to place this cup in jesus' hands in about 30 a.D.,
367 00:20:18,834 00:20:21,239 Still leaves hundreds of years to account for. Still leaves hundreds of years to account for.
368 00:20:22,681 00:20:24,199 Taylor: It's a long time Taylor: It's a long time
369 00:20:24,274 00:20:27,399 Between the first century and the last supper Between the first century and the last supper
370 00:20:27,474 00:20:29,239 And the attestation of a chalice And the attestation of a chalice
371 00:20:29,314 00:20:31,552 In the church of the holy sepulchre. In the church of the holy sepulchre.
372 00:20:31,561 00:20:36,559 We've got a good 550 years until we hear about a chalice. We've got a good 550 years until we hear about a chalice.
373 00:20:37,474 00:20:42,439 What I think is possible is that it was a cup What I think is possible is that it was a cup
374 00:20:42,681 00:20:45,952 That was venerated in the church of the holy sepulchre That was venerated in the church of the holy sepulchre
375 00:20:45,961 00:20:49,399 And it found its way to Spain. And it found its way to Spain.
376 00:20:49,474 00:20:52,592 But what I would say is impossible But what I would say is impossible
377 00:20:52,601 00:20:54,759 Is that it could be in any way Is that it could be in any way
378 00:20:54,834 00:20:56,559 Connected with the last supper. Connected with the last supper.
379 00:20:58,601 00:21:01,632 Mastrelli: But if dr. Joan taylor is skeptical, Mastrelli: But if dr. Joan taylor is skeptical,
380 00:21:01,641 00:21:04,199 Dr. Margarita torres is convinced. Dr. Margarita torres is convinced.
381 00:21:05,161 00:21:07,479 This is the cup of christ. This is the cup of christ.
382 00:21:08,354 00:21:10,639 This is the holy grail. This is the holy grail.
383 00:21:12,361 00:21:13,792 Torres: This is the cup. Torres: This is the cup.
384 00:21:13,801 00:21:17,552 The cup that jesus used in the last supper, The cup that jesus used in the last supper,
385 00:21:17,561 00:21:20,679 Based on historical documents Based on historical documents
386 00:21:20,754 00:21:23,679 And is traced from jerusalem to Spain. And is traced from jerusalem to Spain.
387 00:21:30,681 00:21:34,759 Mastrelli: Today, the leon cup stands behind bulletproof glass. Mastrelli: Today, the leon cup stands behind bulletproof glass.
388 00:21:34,834 00:21:38,032 One of the most powerful and iconic symbols in the world, One of the most powerful and iconic symbols in the world,
389 00:21:38,041 00:21:41,552 It attracts thousands of visitors each year. It attracts thousands of visitors each year.
390 00:21:41,561 00:21:43,239 So, does this mean that the quest So, does this mean that the quest
391 00:21:43,314 00:21:46,112 For the holy grail is finally over? For the holy grail is finally over?
392 00:21:46,121 00:21:48,599 Considering that europe has over 200 churches Considering that europe has over 200 churches
393 00:21:48,674 00:21:50,512 That claim to house the holy grail, That claim to house the holy grail,
394 00:21:50,521 00:21:52,919 Maybe it's never been that hard to find. Maybe it's never been that hard to find.
395 00:21:52,994 00:21:54,599 Perhaps what's been so difficult Perhaps what's been so difficult
396 00:21:54,674 00:21:56,319 Is narrowing down the options. Is narrowing down the options.