# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:01,634 00:00:03,639 Mastrelli: This relic has passed through the hands Mastrelli: This relic has passed through the hands
2 00:00:03,714 00:00:06,352 Of kings and conquerors. Of kings and conquerors.
3 00:00:06,361 00:00:09,959 It's been the center of extraordinary claims. It's been the center of extraordinary claims.
4 00:00:10,034 00:00:13,392 They say it pierced the side of christ, They say it pierced the side of christ,
5 00:00:13,401 00:00:17,799 That it holds inside it a nail from the crucifixion, That it holds inside it a nail from the crucifixion,
6 00:00:17,874 00:00:22,359 That it guarantees its possessor victory in battle. That it guarantees its possessor victory in battle.
7 00:00:22,434 00:00:25,119 But what are its real origins? But what are its real origins?
8 00:00:26,121 00:00:30,199 How has this one object sparked so many stories? How has this one object sparked so many stories?
9 00:00:31,634 00:00:34,679 Wrapped in silver, and gold, Wrapped in silver, and gold,
10 00:00:34,754 00:00:36,999 And more than 1,000 years of mythmaking, And more than 1,000 years of mythmaking,
11 00:00:38,194 00:00:42,192 What is the truth about the spear of destiny? What is the truth about the spear of destiny?
12 00:00:42,201 00:00:45,312 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
13 00:00:45,321 00:00:49,239 For centuries, the mysteries of the past For centuries, the mysteries of the past
14 00:00:49,314 00:00:52,279 Have kept their secrets, Have kept their secrets,
15 00:00:52,354 00:00:56,039 But there are clues cast in gold, But there are clues cast in gold,
16 00:00:56,114 00:00:57,719 Etched in stone, Etched in stone,
17 00:00:58,834 00:01:00,119 Written in blood. Written in blood.
18 00:01:03,874 00:01:05,799 We can unlock them. We can unlock them.
19 00:01:22,921 00:01:27,079 Some objects seem to possess an aura of mystery about them. Some objects seem to possess an aura of mystery about them.
20 00:01:27,154 00:01:29,632 In central africa they're called fetishes. In central africa they're called fetishes.
21 00:01:29,641 00:01:32,519 In north america, they're called dream catchers. In north america, they're called dream catchers.
22 00:01:32,594 00:01:34,999 Back in the day, this papua new guinean mask Back in the day, this papua new guinean mask
23 00:01:35,074 00:01:37,959 Might have brought its owner some serious renown. Might have brought its owner some serious renown.
24 00:01:38,034 00:01:40,679 Then again there are objects in this world Then again there are objects in this world
25 00:01:40,754 00:01:43,799 That inspire an entirely different order of awe That inspire an entirely different order of awe
26 00:01:43,874 00:01:47,719 And fascination that give rise to myths and legends And fascination that give rise to myths and legends
27 00:01:47,794 00:01:51,359 And that extend the power of the past to the present day. And that extend the power of the past to the present day.
28 00:01:53,714 00:01:55,872 Deep within the kunst historische museum, Deep within the kunst historische museum,
29 00:01:55,881 00:01:57,312 Vienna, austria, Vienna, austria,
30 00:01:57,321 00:02:00,912 Just such a relic is on public display: Just such a relic is on public display:
31 00:02:00,921 00:02:02,759 A fractured metal lance head. A fractured metal lance head.
32 00:02:03,881 00:02:08,879 Bound with silver wire and wrapped in a sheath of gold. Bound with silver wire and wrapped in a sheath of gold.
33 00:02:09,241 00:02:11,079 It bears these words: It bears these words:
34 00:02:12,121 00:02:14,992 Lancea et clavus domini Lancea et clavus domini
35 00:02:15,001 00:02:17,799 "the spear and nail of our lord." "the spear and nail of our lord."
36 00:02:17,874 00:02:19,639 It's called the spear of destiny It's called the spear of destiny
37 00:02:21,074 00:02:22,912 And, according to urban legend, And, according to urban legend,
38 00:02:22,921 00:02:26,599 Adolf hitler once gazed longingly upon it as a child. Adolf hitler once gazed longingly upon it as a child.
39 00:02:27,801 00:02:29,872 Given the power it's said to wield, Given the power it's said to wield,
40 00:02:29,881 00:02:32,119 Such a myth is unsurprising. Such a myth is unsurprising.
41 00:02:33,394 00:02:36,519 Feather: The spear is endowed with a power Feather: The spear is endowed with a power
42 00:02:36,594 00:02:41,232 To give someone invincibility in battle. To give someone invincibility in battle.
43 00:02:41,241 00:02:46,119 And that aura grew and grew and grew through history. And that aura grew and grew and grew through history.
44 00:02:47,321 00:02:50,279 Mastrelli: But what is the real story of the spear? Mastrelli: But what is the real story of the spear?
45 00:02:50,354 00:02:52,352 It's a question a team of researchers It's a question a team of researchers
46 00:02:52,361 00:02:54,039 And conservators assembled And conservators assembled
47 00:02:54,114 00:02:57,519 By the kunst historische museum hopes to answer. By the kunst historische museum hopes to answer.
48 00:02:58,521 00:03:03,519 Kirchweger: We decided to do new research on the holy lance. Kirchweger: We decided to do new research on the holy lance.
49 00:03:03,794 00:03:05,959 Mastrelli: They'll scan it for physical clues. Mastrelli: They'll scan it for physical clues.
50 00:03:06,034 00:03:09,319 Schreiner: We have here the results of the analysis. Schreiner: We have here the results of the analysis.
51 00:03:11,081 00:03:13,319 Mastrelli: And examine the evidence from four countries Mastrelli: And examine the evidence from four countries
52 00:03:13,394 00:03:17,959 And 20 centuries in a quest to find the truth. And 20 centuries in a quest to find the truth.
53 00:03:21,561 00:03:25,152 Dr. Helen bond is an expert on early christianity Dr. Helen bond is an expert on early christianity
54 00:03:25,161 00:03:28,279 And the biblical origins of the spear story. And the biblical origins of the spear story.
55 00:03:28,354 00:03:31,279 It's mentioned just once, in the gospel of st. John. It's mentioned just once, in the gospel of st. John.
56 00:03:32,194 00:03:35,712 Bond: The story of the lance is only in john's gospel Bond: The story of the lance is only in john's gospel
57 00:03:35,721 00:03:38,679 And that's the only place in the entire new testament And that's the only place in the entire new testament
58 00:03:38,754 00:03:41,119 That you get any reference to the lance at all. That you get any reference to the lance at all.
59 00:03:42,434 00:03:45,072 Mastrelli: It comes during the crucifixion. Mastrelli: It comes during the crucifixion.
60 00:03:45,081 00:03:48,272 Jesus hangs lifeless on the cross, Jesus hangs lifeless on the cross,
61 00:03:48,281 00:03:52,439 And a roman soldier wants to check that he really is dead. And a roman soldier wants to check that he really is dead.
62 00:03:52,514 00:03:56,199 Bond: One of the soldiers pierced his side with his lance, Bond: One of the soldiers pierced his side with his lance,
63 00:03:56,274 00:03:59,079 And immediately blood and water flowed out. And immediately blood and water flowed out.
64 00:04:01,001 00:04:03,799 Mastrelli: The spear, because it delivered the last wound Mastrelli: The spear, because it delivered the last wound
65 00:04:03,874 00:04:08,119 To jesus' body, is said to possess tremendous power. To jesus' body, is said to possess tremendous power.
66 00:04:10,194 00:04:12,272 Bond: People have clearly thought of the lance Bond: People have clearly thought of the lance
67 00:04:12,281 00:04:16,279 As a way to connect them to the death of jesus. As a way to connect them to the death of jesus.
68 00:04:17,801 00:04:20,352 Mastrelli: In the middle ages, hundreds of artifacts Mastrelli: In the middle ages, hundreds of artifacts
69 00:04:20,361 00:04:22,519 Were venerated for their supposed connection Were venerated for their supposed connection
70 00:04:22,594 00:04:23,839 To the lives of saints To the lives of saints
71 00:04:24,834 00:04:26,992 But objects thought to offer a direct, But objects thought to offer a direct,
72 00:04:27,001 00:04:30,679 Physical link to jesus were much rarer. Physical link to jesus were much rarer.
73 00:04:30,754 00:04:34,432 Bond: There's not really very many relics connected with jesus Bond: There's not really very many relics connected with jesus
74 00:04:34,441 00:04:38,279 But the primary ones as far as the people in the middle ages But the primary ones as far as the people in the middle ages
75 00:04:38,354 00:04:42,032 Were concerned were those to do with his death. Were concerned were those to do with his death.
76 00:04:42,041 00:04:44,672 Mastrelli: Tradition says that the first attempts to gather Mastrelli: Tradition says that the first attempts to gather
77 00:04:44,681 00:04:49,079 And preserve such objects began in the fourth century ce. And preserve such objects began in the fourth century ce.
78 00:04:50,121 00:04:53,479 That's when the emperor constantine decreed christianity That's when the emperor constantine decreed christianity
79 00:04:53,554 00:04:56,032 The official religion of the roman empire The official religion of the roman empire
80 00:04:56,041 00:04:58,599 And his mother helena went on a quest And his mother helena went on a quest
81 00:04:58,674 00:05:00,752 To find relics of the crucifixion To find relics of the crucifixion
82 00:05:00,761 00:05:03,719 300 years after the fact. 300 years after the fact.
83 00:05:03,794 00:05:05,472 Bond: According to tradition, Bond: According to tradition,
84 00:05:05,481 00:05:08,112 His mother helena went to jerusalem His mother helena went to jerusalem
85 00:05:08,121 00:05:10,432 And she was looking around for the place And she was looking around for the place
86 00:05:10,441 00:05:12,359 Where jesus was crucified. Where jesus was crucified.
87 00:05:13,314 00:05:15,952 Mastrelli: As a feat of biblical archeology, Mastrelli: As a feat of biblical archeology,
88 00:05:15,961 00:05:17,959 It was a remarkable success. It was a remarkable success.
89 00:05:19,794 00:05:21,479 Bond: And as she was digging around, Bond: And as she was digging around,
90 00:05:21,554 00:05:25,079 She found not only fragments of the true cross, She found not only fragments of the true cross,
91 00:05:25,154 00:05:28,592 But also nails that were said to have attached jesus But also nails that were said to have attached jesus
92 00:05:28,601 00:05:31,439 To the cross and also the lance. To the cross and also the lance.
93 00:05:33,481 00:05:36,279 Mastrelli: Could two of helena's finds have been incorporated Mastrelli: Could two of helena's finds have been incorporated
94 00:05:36,354 00:05:37,759 Into the spear of destiny? Into the spear of destiny?
95 00:05:39,234 00:05:42,359 And could either one, or both, be genuine? And could either one, or both, be genuine?
96 00:05:43,801 00:05:46,272 Today, new technology offers the chance Today, new technology offers the chance
97 00:05:46,281 00:05:47,879 To test those claims. To test those claims.
98 00:05:49,794 00:05:53,152 Kirchweger: The last time substantial investigations Kirchweger: The last time substantial investigations
99 00:05:53,161 00:05:55,959 Have been taken were in the 1920s, Have been taken were in the 1920s,
100 00:05:56,034 00:05:58,352 And of course the possibilities And of course the possibilities
101 00:05:58,361 00:06:02,399 Are on a totally different level nowadays. Are on a totally different level nowadays.
102 00:06:03,241 00:06:05,879 Mastrelli: As curator, dr. Franz kirchweger Mastrelli: As curator, dr. Franz kirchweger
103 00:06:05,954 00:06:08,359 Is the latest keeper of the spear. Is the latest keeper of the spear.
104 00:06:08,434 00:06:12,272 He has assembled a multi-disciplinary team. He has assembled a multi-disciplinary team.
105 00:06:12,281 00:06:14,519 Kirchweger: The holy lance has different layers Kirchweger: The holy lance has different layers
106 00:06:14,594 00:06:16,759 Telling a lot about its history. Telling a lot about its history.
107 00:06:17,794 00:06:20,999 Mastrelli: The plan is to study each element of the spear, Mastrelli: The plan is to study each element of the spear,
108 00:06:21,074 00:06:22,679 Not just the spearhead, Not just the spearhead,
109 00:06:22,754 00:06:26,399 But also the central iron pin that divides the blade But also the central iron pin that divides the blade
110 00:06:27,321 00:06:30,719 And that some say holds crucifixion nails. And that some say holds crucifixion nails.
111 00:06:33,954 00:06:36,599 But, first, that golden outer layer. But, first, that golden outer layer.
112 00:06:38,834 00:06:41,399 Kirchweger has enlisted the help of an expert Kirchweger has enlisted the help of an expert
113 00:06:41,474 00:06:44,559 In medieval metals, dr. Birgit buhler. In medieval metals, dr. Birgit buhler.
114 00:06:46,681 00:06:50,192 Buhler: If you look at it from a distance at the letters, Buhler: If you look at it from a distance at the letters,
115 00:06:50,201 00:06:53,039 It actually looks quite good quality, It actually looks quite good quality,
116 00:06:53,881 00:06:56,992 But when you look at it in an optical microscope But when you look at it in an optical microscope
117 00:06:57,001 00:06:59,399 You can see the tiny faults. You can see the tiny faults.
118 00:06:59,474 00:07:03,239 It looks like someone was not a master It looks like someone was not a master
119 00:07:03,314 00:07:05,959 In the high art of engraving. In the high art of engraving.
120 00:07:06,034 00:07:08,119 Mastrelli: This doesn't tell us who the engraver was Mastrelli: This doesn't tell us who the engraver was
121 00:07:08,194 00:07:09,959 Or for whom he worked, Or for whom he worked,
122 00:07:10,034 00:07:13,712 But every individual feature of his style is a clue, But every individual feature of his style is a clue,
123 00:07:13,721 00:07:15,952 Especially if the same style Especially if the same style
124 00:07:15,961 00:07:18,279 Can be found on other engravings. Can be found on other engravings.
125 00:07:20,034 00:07:23,159 Buhler: Craftsmanship is always very specialized. Buhler: Craftsmanship is always very specialized.
126 00:07:23,234 00:07:27,152 Mastrelli: Remarkably, a comparable engraving does exist. Mastrelli: Remarkably, a comparable engraving does exist.
127 00:07:27,161 00:07:29,552 It's on the base of a magnificent cross It's on the base of a magnificent cross
128 00:07:29,561 00:07:31,552 Whose provenance is as clear Whose provenance is as clear
129 00:07:31,561 00:07:33,799 As the spear of destiny's is murky. As the spear of destiny's is murky.
130 00:07:35,241 00:07:36,512 Buhler: There maybe is a correlation, Buhler: There maybe is a correlation,
131 00:07:36,521 00:07:40,112 And maybe it's the same craftsman. And maybe it's the same craftsman.
132 00:07:40,121 00:07:43,079 Mastrelli: In fact, the two pieces are so similar Mastrelli: In fact, the two pieces are so similar
133 00:07:43,154 00:07:45,792 That buhler is convinced they're from the same time, That buhler is convinced they're from the same time,
134 00:07:45,801 00:07:47,239 If not the same hand. If not the same hand.
135 00:07:48,841 00:07:51,719 Moreover, the inscription on the cross Moreover, the inscription on the cross
136 00:07:51,794 00:07:53,959 Names the man for whom it was made. Names the man for whom it was made.
137 00:07:54,834 00:07:57,319 That man was charles iv, That man was charles iv,
138 00:07:57,394 00:08:00,439 The holy roman emperor and king of bohemia. The holy roman emperor and king of bohemia.
139 00:08:01,401 00:08:05,079 In the mid-14th century, he ruled much of central europe In the mid-14th century, he ruled much of central europe
140 00:08:05,154 00:08:07,559 From what is, today, the czech republic. From what is, today, the czech republic.
141 00:08:08,434 00:08:09,712 Rosario: Charles the relic collector, Rosario: Charles the relic collector,
142 00:08:09,721 00:08:11,312 Well, there was no one like him. Well, there was no one like him.
143 00:08:11,321 00:08:12,992 Wherever he went, Wherever he went,
144 00:08:13,001 00:08:17,159 He collected any and every relic that was available. He collected any and every relic that was available.
145 00:08:18,041 00:08:20,832 Mastrelli: Indeed, the inscription is far Mastrelli: Indeed, the inscription is far
146 00:08:20,841 00:08:22,359 From the only indication From the only indication
147 00:08:22,434 00:08:25,119 That the spear spent time in charles' possession. That the spear spent time in charles' possession.
148 00:08:26,121 00:08:28,199 Charles himself took care of that. Charles himself took care of that.
149 00:08:33,714 00:08:37,392 Here, at this top of his castle residence near prague, Here, at this top of his castle residence near prague,
150 00:08:37,401 00:08:39,399 He built an extraordinary chapel He built an extraordinary chapel
151 00:08:39,474 00:08:42,359 To host his vast collection of relics. To host his vast collection of relics.
152 00:08:44,281 00:08:47,639 Buhler: You open into a world that is just lavish Buhler: You open into a world that is just lavish
153 00:08:47,714 00:08:49,719 And beautiful and sparkling. And beautiful and sparkling.
154 00:08:52,281 00:08:55,952 The walls are set with semi-precious stones The walls are set with semi-precious stones
155 00:08:55,961 00:08:57,839 And with embossed gold work. And with embossed gold work.
156 00:09:00,441 00:09:05,232 Above are the 130 paintings, you can see the recesses there, Above are the 130 paintings, you can see the recesses there,
157 00:09:05,241 00:09:08,879 Each contained a relic of a saint, it was a sacred space. Each contained a relic of a saint, it was a sacred space.
158 00:09:11,714 00:09:14,839 Mastrelli: This is where he kept the spear of destiny Mastrelli: This is where he kept the spear of destiny
159 00:09:14,914 00:09:17,232 But it's how he publicly displayed it But it's how he publicly displayed it
160 00:09:17,241 00:09:18,799 That's the most revealing. That's the most revealing.
161 00:09:27,874 00:09:29,719 Rosario: A special day organized Rosario: A special day organized
162 00:09:29,794 00:09:32,352 Which was only for the holy lance Which was only for the holy lance
163 00:09:32,361 00:09:35,552 And nail of the lord and that tells us how important And nail of the lord and that tells us how important
164 00:09:35,561 00:09:38,999 Charles must of thought that this holy lance was. Charles must of thought that this holy lance was.
165 00:09:39,074 00:09:40,592 Mastrelli: Each year, Mastrelli: Each year,
166 00:09:40,601 00:09:42,199 It was ceremonially carried out of the chapel It was ceremonially carried out of the chapel
167 00:09:42,274 00:09:44,919 And onto a specially -built balcony, And onto a specially -built balcony,
168 00:09:44,994 00:09:48,672 Here it was held up before an adoring crowd. Here it was held up before an adoring crowd.
169 00:09:48,681 00:09:51,639 King charles knew full well the effect it would have. King charles knew full well the effect it would have.
170 00:09:51,714 00:09:53,152 Rosario: The holy lance Rosario: The holy lance
171 00:09:53,161 00:09:56,359 Had been bathed in the very blood of christ Had been bathed in the very blood of christ
172 00:09:56,434 00:09:58,999 And consequently for the medieval man, And consequently for the medieval man,
173 00:09:59,074 00:10:02,672 You could get no closer to the divine than that. You could get no closer to the divine than that.
174 00:10:02,681 00:10:04,512 The medieval person considered The medieval person considered
175 00:10:04,521 00:10:08,672 That he was in the very presence of god at that moment. That he was in the very presence of god at that moment.
176 00:10:08,681 00:10:10,919 Mastrelli: And that, of course, made the person Mastrelli: And that, of course, made the person
177 00:10:10,994 00:10:14,039 Who owned this object very important indeed. Who owned this object very important indeed.
178 00:10:15,714 00:10:20,679 Rosario: Anyone who possessed the lance had been chosen by god Rosario: Anyone who possessed the lance had been chosen by god
179 00:10:20,921 00:10:22,752 To be his representative on earth, To be his representative on earth,
180 00:10:22,761 00:10:25,439 To sit on the highest throne. To sit on the highest throne.
181 00:10:27,154 00:10:30,119 Mastrelli: Charles iv had schemed his way to power, Mastrelli: Charles iv had schemed his way to power,
182 00:10:30,194 00:10:34,719 Uniting a divided, unstable kingdom under his sole control. Uniting a divided, unstable kingdom under his sole control.
183 00:10:35,721 00:10:39,072 Part of that success came from convincing his people Part of that success came from convincing his people
184 00:10:39,081 00:10:41,479 He had a god-given right to rule. He had a god-given right to rule.
185 00:10:42,674 00:10:47,319 And in that situation, the spear was a very powerful weapon. And in that situation, the spear was a very powerful weapon.
186 00:10:47,394 00:10:51,799 It's no wonder, perhaps that he had it wrapped in gold. It's no wonder, perhaps that he had it wrapped in gold.
187 00:10:51,874 00:10:53,879 Rosario: It was a way of self-legitimizing, Rosario: It was a way of self-legitimizing,
188 00:10:53,954 00:10:55,552 Self-aggrandizing, Self-aggrandizing,
189 00:10:55,561 00:10:58,439 And for eternity to come. And for eternity to come.
190 00:10:58,514 00:11:02,119 Charles iv was on one hand deeply religious, Charles iv was on one hand deeply religious,
191 00:11:02,194 00:11:07,159 And on the other hand a hard, cold calculating pragmatist. And on the other hand a hard, cold calculating pragmatist.
192 00:11:07,641 00:11:10,672 Mastrelli: King charles clearly grasped that some relics Mastrelli: King charles clearly grasped that some relics
193 00:11:10,681 00:11:14,039 Can be a source of real political power. Can be a source of real political power.
194 00:11:14,114 00:11:18,759 But charles iv lived some 13 centuries after the crucifixion But charles iv lived some 13 centuries after the crucifixion
195 00:11:18,834 00:11:20,199 And had no way of knowing And had no way of knowing
196 00:11:20,274 00:11:23,039 Whether the spear was genuine or not. Whether the spear was genuine or not.
197 00:11:24,201 00:11:25,639 Today, though, Today, though,
198 00:11:25,714 00:11:28,519 Thanks to the scientific team now on the case, Thanks to the scientific team now on the case,
199 00:11:28,594 00:11:32,399 That's a question that might finally be answered. That's a question that might finally be answered.
200 00:11:33,794 00:11:36,999 An ancient bladed weapon is more than an instrument of war, An ancient bladed weapon is more than an instrument of war,
201 00:11:37,074 00:11:39,159 It's also a kind of recording device. It's also a kind of recording device.
202 00:11:39,234 00:11:41,632 Even a cursory examination can tell you a lot Even a cursory examination can tell you a lot
203 00:11:41,641 00:11:44,432 About the history of a sword or a dagger. About the history of a sword or a dagger.
204 00:11:44,441 00:11:47,712 Take a look at the cutting edge on this yemeni janbiya. Take a look at the cutting edge on this yemeni janbiya.
205 00:11:47,721 00:11:49,719 See the nicks and furrows? See the nicks and furrows?
206 00:11:49,794 00:11:52,279 This is a blade that's been in the heat of battle This is a blade that's been in the heat of battle
207 00:11:52,354 00:11:54,752 And has seen some serious action. And has seen some serious action.
208 00:11:54,761 00:11:58,399 Compare it to this sword, you see how smooth it is? Compare it to this sword, you see how smooth it is?
209 00:12:00,034 00:12:02,439 This thing has never even been sharpened This thing has never even been sharpened
210 00:12:02,514 00:12:05,079 And it's certainly never seen a day in combat. And it's certainly never seen a day in combat.
211 00:12:09,161 00:12:11,639 Dr. Eric szameit is an anthropologist Dr. Eric szameit is an anthropologist
212 00:12:11,714 00:12:14,599 With a special interest in ancient weaponry. With a special interest in ancient weaponry.
213 00:12:14,674 00:12:16,832 He's made a study of how bladed weapons He's made a study of how bladed weapons
214 00:12:16,841 00:12:18,719 Have evolved down the centuries. Have evolved down the centuries.
215 00:12:19,641 00:12:21,799 And, using x-ray images, And, using x-ray images,
216 00:12:21,874 00:12:24,192 He's produced a replica of the spear, He's produced a replica of the spear,
217 00:12:24,201 00:12:26,839 As it would have looked, when it was first made. As it would have looked, when it was first made.
218 00:12:28,674 00:12:30,799 Szameit: The blade is rather heavy. Szameit: The blade is rather heavy.
219 00:12:31,641 00:12:34,352 Mastrelli: The key fact for him is that this spear Mastrelli: The key fact for him is that this spear
220 00:12:34,361 00:12:36,519 Is designed for hand -to-hand combat. Is designed for hand -to-hand combat.
221 00:12:37,961 00:12:40,759 You could stroke from above You could stroke from above
222 00:12:40,834 00:12:43,639 Or you could stroke from the side. Or you could stroke from the side.
223 00:12:43,714 00:12:46,119 Mastrelli: It's meant to stab, to chop, Mastrelli: It's meant to stab, to chop,
224 00:12:46,194 00:12:47,952 And to fend off an enemy's blows. And to fend off an enemy's blows.
225 00:12:47,961 00:12:52,919 Szameit: A very dangerous, heavy weapon. Szameit: A very dangerous, heavy weapon.
226 00:12:52,994 00:12:54,432 Mastrelli: It's a style of combat Mastrelli: It's a style of combat
227 00:12:54,441 00:12:57,159 That will certainly take its toll on the blade. That will certainly take its toll on the blade.
228 00:12:57,234 00:12:58,719 Szameit demonstrates. Szameit demonstrates.
229 00:13:00,354 00:13:04,239 (speaking in foreign language) (speaking in foreign language)
230 00:13:07,234 00:13:10,752 He has examined the holy lance in microscopic detail, He has examined the holy lance in microscopic detail,
231 00:13:10,761 00:13:13,952 But neither x-ray nor microscopic analysis But neither x-ray nor microscopic analysis
232 00:13:13,961 00:13:16,192 Reveal any damage to the spear. Reveal any damage to the spear.
233 00:13:16,201 00:13:20,799 Szameit: It has no marks that it was damaged during a battle. Szameit: It has no marks that it was damaged during a battle.
234 00:13:21,874 00:13:26,839 This holy spear was never used in real fighting. This holy spear was never used in real fighting.
235 00:13:28,754 00:13:31,792 Mastrelli: Given its reputation as a powerful weapon, Mastrelli: Given its reputation as a powerful weapon,
236 00:13:31,801 00:13:33,439 It's a striking conclusion, It's a striking conclusion,
237 00:13:34,361 00:13:37,712 But it's not the only one eric believes he can draw. But it's not the only one eric believes he can draw.
238 00:13:37,721 00:13:39,232 While it's not possible for him While it's not possible for him
239 00:13:39,241 00:13:41,599 To carbon date the age of an iron spearhead, To carbon date the age of an iron spearhead,
240 00:13:42,754 00:13:46,039 It is possible to compare iron-working techniques It is possible to compare iron-working techniques
241 00:13:46,114 00:13:48,192 As they've evolved over time. As they've evolved over time.
242 00:13:48,201 00:13:51,152 And, if he can compare the spear with weapons And, if he can compare the spear with weapons
243 00:13:51,161 00:13:53,392 Whose age he knows for certain, Whose age he knows for certain,
244 00:13:53,401 00:13:57,472 He may be able to identify the era in which it was made. He may be able to identify the era in which it was made.
245 00:13:57,481 00:14:00,919 Szameit: We have a type of early roman period spear, Szameit: We have a type of early roman period spear,
246 00:14:02,994 00:14:05,152 Then we have part of a sword Then we have part of a sword
247 00:14:05,161 00:14:07,639 From the ninth to 10th century. From the ninth to 10th century.
248 00:14:08,834 00:14:10,592 Mastrelli: Szameit brings all these items Mastrelli: Szameit brings all these items
249 00:14:10,601 00:14:13,632 To metallurgist manfred schreiner. To metallurgist manfred schreiner.
250 00:14:13,641 00:14:15,472 Schreiner: This is an object full of emotion Schreiner: This is an object full of emotion
251 00:14:15,481 00:14:17,559 As the object itself As the object itself
252 00:14:17,634 00:14:21,919 Has such a history and is full of myth Has such a history and is full of myth
253 00:14:23,161 00:14:26,272 But when you do the analysis, it's a material But when you do the analysis, it's a material
254 00:14:26,281 00:14:28,272 As all kinds of materials are As all kinds of materials are
255 00:14:28,281 00:14:31,719 And it is very, very important to clarify the history And it is very, very important to clarify the history
256 00:14:31,794 00:14:35,159 And to clarify the authenticity of the object. And to clarify the authenticity of the object.
257 00:14:36,274 00:14:37,552 Mastrelli: Until recently, Mastrelli: Until recently,
258 00:14:37,561 00:14:39,639 Determining an object's chemical make up Determining an object's chemical make up
259 00:14:39,714 00:14:42,799 Would have involved taking samples and causing damage. Would have involved taking samples and causing damage.
260 00:14:45,321 00:14:47,639 Schreiner: It was a kind of challenge for me Schreiner: It was a kind of challenge for me
261 00:14:47,714 00:14:51,079 To carry out non-destructive investigations To carry out non-destructive investigations
262 00:14:51,154 00:14:52,759 And identify the material And identify the material
263 00:14:52,834 00:14:55,239 Which is used for this important object. Which is used for this important object.
264 00:14:58,754 00:15:00,672 So, what we are analyzing So, what we are analyzing
265 00:15:00,681 00:15:03,799 Is mainly the surface of the material Is mainly the surface of the material
266 00:15:03,874 00:15:07,759 Without taking any sample and without changing the object. Without taking any sample and without changing the object.
267 00:15:09,161 00:15:10,919 Mastrelli: The method schreiner uses today Mastrelli: The method schreiner uses today
268 00:15:10,994 00:15:13,319 Is called x-ray fluorescence. Is called x-ray fluorescence.
269 00:15:13,394 00:15:16,439 It sends out a tightly focused beam of x-rays, It sends out a tightly focused beam of x-rays,
270 00:15:16,514 00:15:19,839 And what bounces back is the metal's chemical signature. And what bounces back is the metal's chemical signature.
271 00:15:21,474 00:15:23,152 Schreiner: We have here the result Schreiner: We have here the result
272 00:15:23,161 00:15:26,279 Of the x-ray fluorescence analysis Of the x-ray fluorescence analysis
273 00:15:26,354 00:15:30,679 Obtained on the object of the first century bc. Obtained on the object of the first century bc.
274 00:15:30,754 00:15:34,119 And what we clearly can see is that iron of course And what we clearly can see is that iron of course
275 00:15:34,194 00:15:35,952 Is the main element present Is the main element present
276 00:15:35,961 00:15:40,359 But there is also a high variety of additional elements But there is also a high variety of additional elements
277 00:15:40,434 00:15:44,679 Such as zinc, nickel, even lead. Such as zinc, nickel, even lead.
278 00:15:44,754 00:15:46,912 Mastrelli: Next, schreiner focuses the x-ray Mastrelli: Next, schreiner focuses the x-ray
279 00:15:46,921 00:15:48,512 On the 10th century sword. On the 10th century sword.
280 00:15:48,521 00:15:52,032 It shows that its purer iron is made using a process It shows that its purer iron is made using a process
281 00:15:52,041 00:15:54,672 That wasn't available in roman times. That wasn't available in roman times.
282 00:15:54,681 00:15:58,832 Schreiner: And, of course, again iron is the main component Schreiner: And, of course, again iron is the main component
283 00:15:58,841 00:16:01,879 But the amount of minor components But the amount of minor components
284 00:16:01,954 00:16:05,872 And trace elements is much, much smaller. And trace elements is much, much smaller.
285 00:16:05,881 00:16:08,759 Mastrelli: Finally, manfred compares these results Mastrelli: Finally, manfred compares these results
286 00:16:08,834 00:16:11,632 To what he finds on the holy lance. To what he finds on the holy lance.
287 00:16:11,641 00:16:15,759 And for him, the results are conclusive. And for him, the results are conclusive.
288 00:16:16,834 00:16:18,119 Schreiner: The holy lance Schreiner: The holy lance
289 00:16:18,194 00:16:20,039 Completely differs from the material Completely differs from the material
290 00:16:20,114 00:16:22,759 Which was used for roman lances. Which was used for roman lances.
291 00:16:22,834 00:16:25,879 It's rather typical and characteristic for lances It's rather typical and characteristic for lances
292 00:16:25,954 00:16:29,239 Which were produced seven or even 800 years later. Which were produced seven or even 800 years later.
293 00:16:30,274 00:16:34,519 We have to say that the holy lance is not a roman lance. We have to say that the holy lance is not a roman lance.
294 00:16:35,721 00:16:38,672 Mastrelli: If a lance did pierce jesus' side, Mastrelli: If a lance did pierce jesus' side,
295 00:16:38,681 00:16:40,119 It wasn't this one. It wasn't this one.
296 00:16:41,481 00:16:43,232 Kirchweger: Today we can be absolutely sure Kirchweger: Today we can be absolutely sure
297 00:16:43,241 00:16:47,392 That this spear is nothing to do with the time That this spear is nothing to do with the time
298 00:16:47,401 00:16:51,639 And age of christ and the roman period. And age of christ and the roman period.
299 00:16:53,801 00:16:55,792 Mastrelli: But what about the crucifixion nails Mastrelli: But what about the crucifixion nails
300 00:16:55,801 00:16:57,519 The spear is said to hold? The spear is said to hold?
301 00:16:59,161 00:17:01,719 Could they be the relic's real treasure? Could they be the relic's real treasure?
302 00:17:07,241 00:17:09,632 Metallurgist robert feather has devoted years Metallurgist robert feather has devoted years
303 00:17:09,641 00:17:12,519 To studying claims that the spear of destiny To studying claims that the spear of destiny
304 00:17:12,594 00:17:14,599 Holds nails from the crucifixion. Holds nails from the crucifixion.
305 00:17:15,554 00:17:20,439 What most intrigues him is this row of tiny brass crosses What most intrigues him is this row of tiny brass crosses
306 00:17:20,514 00:17:23,152 Somehow pressed into the pin. Somehow pressed into the pin.
307 00:17:23,161 00:17:28,159 Buhler: In the iron itself there are inlaid brass wires, Buhler: In the iron itself there are inlaid brass wires,
308 00:17:29,721 00:17:32,039 And this is a decoration technique And this is a decoration technique
309 00:17:32,114 00:17:35,639 Very typical for the early middle ages. Very typical for the early middle ages.
310 00:17:35,714 00:17:38,439 And they are crosses, which are of course And they are crosses, which are of course
311 00:17:38,514 00:17:42,919 Related to the sacred character of the object. Related to the sacred character of the object.
312 00:17:42,994 00:17:45,559 Feather: The question arises Feather: The question arises
313 00:17:45,634 00:17:48,599 What were the gold crosses doing on the spear? What were the gold crosses doing on the spear?
314 00:17:48,674 00:17:51,399 And my deduction was that they were placed there And my deduction was that they were placed there
315 00:17:51,474 00:17:56,439 At time that the spear was modified and the pin, At time that the spear was modified and the pin,
316 00:17:56,514 00:17:58,599 The central pin put in place. The central pin put in place.
317 00:18:00,674 00:18:02,039 Buhler: The technique is basically Buhler: The technique is basically
318 00:18:02,114 00:18:04,192 You cut a groove in the object You cut a groove in the object
319 00:18:04,201 00:18:07,399 And then you inlay the wire, you fix it by hammering. And then you inlay the wire, you fix it by hammering.
320 00:18:07,474 00:18:09,319 There could be something below it, There could be something below it,
321 00:18:09,394 00:18:12,599 There could be some sacred material, There could be some sacred material,
322 00:18:12,674 00:18:15,552 Some tiny fragment of a sacred material Some tiny fragment of a sacred material
323 00:18:15,561 00:18:16,999 That you want to preserve, That you want to preserve,
324 00:18:17,074 00:18:19,792 And you mark this spot with a cross, And you mark this spot with a cross,
325 00:18:19,801 00:18:22,919 And you have it under the brass wire. And you have it under the brass wire.
326 00:18:24,761 00:18:26,192 Mastrelli: And this is exactly what feather Mastrelli: And this is exactly what feather
327 00:18:26,201 00:18:28,999 Believes he sees just visible, Believes he sees just visible,
328 00:18:29,074 00:18:32,032 Sticking out from beneath the inlaid crosses Sticking out from beneath the inlaid crosses
329 00:18:32,041 00:18:34,519 A sliver of a different metal. A sliver of a different metal.
330 00:18:36,914 00:18:38,752 Feather: I was able to look at the spear Feather: I was able to look at the spear
331 00:18:38,761 00:18:41,472 Under high-powered magnification. Under high-powered magnification.
332 00:18:41,481 00:18:42,839 I could see distinctly I could see distinctly
333 00:18:42,914 00:18:47,312 That there were separate lumps on the pin. That there were separate lumps on the pin.
334 00:18:47,321 00:18:50,112 You could see the join, You could see the join,
335 00:18:50,121 00:18:52,912 The lapping of those lumps on the pin. The lapping of those lumps on the pin.
336 00:18:52,921 00:18:55,712 They had an iron composition They had an iron composition
337 00:18:55,721 00:19:00,039 Which was different from the rest of the pin itself. Which was different from the rest of the pin itself.
338 00:19:02,994 00:19:05,359 Mastrelli: Some might argue this is weak evidence. Mastrelli: Some might argue this is weak evidence.
339 00:19:06,281 00:19:08,672 Why accept a small shard of unknown metal Why accept a small shard of unknown metal
340 00:19:08,681 00:19:10,999 As the support for the relic's authenticity? As the support for the relic's authenticity?
341 00:19:12,514 00:19:14,912 Then again, a 10th century manuscript Then again, a 10th century manuscript
342 00:19:14,921 00:19:16,559 Offers astounding support. Offers astounding support.
343 00:19:17,474 00:19:19,632 Bond: "it has crosses made from the nails Bond: "it has crosses made from the nails
344 00:19:19,641 00:19:22,759 "driven through the hands and feet of our lord "driven through the hands and feet of our lord
345 00:19:22,834 00:19:24,999 "and redeemer jesus christ. "and redeemer jesus christ.
346 00:19:25,074 00:19:29,159 "they claim this lance belonged to constantine the great, "they claim this lance belonged to constantine the great,
347 00:19:29,234 00:19:31,952 "son of saint helena, "son of saint helena,
348 00:19:31,961 00:19:35,952 "the discoverer of the life-giving cross." "the discoverer of the life-giving cross."
349 00:19:35,961 00:19:38,599 Mastrelli: The same helena who, tradition says, Mastrelli: The same helena who, tradition says,
350 00:19:38,674 00:19:40,112 Went to jerusalem Went to jerusalem
351 00:19:40,121 00:19:42,159 And tracked down relics from the crucifixion. And tracked down relics from the crucifixion.
352 00:19:43,794 00:19:46,112 Feather: Someone went to an awful lot of trouble Feather: Someone went to an awful lot of trouble
353 00:19:46,121 00:19:49,879 To place these pieces of separate metal, To place these pieces of separate metal,
354 00:19:49,954 00:19:53,792 Marking them with the gold-looking cross, Marking them with the gold-looking cross,
355 00:19:53,801 00:19:56,032 And revering the spear. And revering the spear.
356 00:19:56,041 00:19:58,272 But now it's got something additional, But now it's got something additional,
357 00:19:58,281 00:20:01,479 It's got pieces that connect right back to jesus. It's got pieces that connect right back to jesus.
358 00:20:03,641 00:20:07,719 Kirchweger: This golden crosses that are set on the pin, Kirchweger: This golden crosses that are set on the pin,
359 00:20:07,794 00:20:09,959 That was probably the starting point That was probably the starting point
360 00:20:10,034 00:20:12,672 For this belief in the holy lance For this belief in the holy lance
361 00:20:12,681 00:20:17,679 As being something transporting relics of christ. As being something transporting relics of christ.
362 00:20:20,354 00:20:23,392 Mastrelli: Whatever lies beneath those tiny crosses, Mastrelli: Whatever lies beneath those tiny crosses,
363 00:20:23,401 00:20:26,512 Dr. Kirchweger's team cannot reach it. Dr. Kirchweger's team cannot reach it.
364 00:20:26,521 00:20:28,919 Not without destroying the lance. Not without destroying the lance.
365 00:20:28,994 00:20:32,032 Indeed, this may be the very part of the puzzle Indeed, this may be the very part of the puzzle
366 00:20:32,041 00:20:34,559 That's destined to remain unsolved. That's destined to remain unsolved.
367 00:20:41,961 00:20:46,119 Put together, the spear's many layers form a record Put together, the spear's many layers form a record
368 00:20:46,194 00:20:50,719 Of extraordinary faith, superstition, and ambition. Of extraordinary faith, superstition, and ambition.
369 00:20:52,121 00:20:56,599 Above all, the spear represents a legend so powerful Above all, the spear represents a legend so powerful
370 00:20:56,674 00:20:59,392 That even after many hundreds of years, That even after many hundreds of years,
371 00:20:59,401 00:21:03,079 The stories that surround it continue to grow. The stories that surround it continue to grow.
372 00:21:04,681 00:21:05,712 Kirchweger: It's kind of fascinating Kirchweger: It's kind of fascinating
373 00:21:05,721 00:21:07,632 That this historic artifact That this historic artifact
374 00:21:07,641 00:21:12,639 Still is able to create legends in 20th and 21st century. Still is able to create legends in 20th and 21st century.
375 00:21:15,874 00:21:20,112 Bond: All of this huge amount of speculation and thought Bond: All of this huge amount of speculation and thought
376 00:21:20,121 00:21:23,079 And adoration has been put onto the lance. And adoration has been put onto the lance.
377 00:21:24,681 00:21:26,272 And the amazing part about it And the amazing part about it
378 00:21:26,281 00:21:28,919 Is that it survived those centuries Is that it survived those centuries
379 00:21:30,761 00:21:35,759 And it was always venerated by every ruler. And it was always venerated by every ruler.
380 00:21:40,754 00:21:42,519 Rosario: Locked inside the spear of destiny Rosario: Locked inside the spear of destiny
381 00:21:42,594 00:21:44,512 Is at least a millennium of history. Is at least a millennium of history.
382 00:21:44,521 00:21:48,112 Regardless of its origins, it is a remarkable object. Regardless of its origins, it is a remarkable object.
383 00:21:48,121 00:21:51,399 And while we cannot prove its ultimate authenticity, And while we cannot prove its ultimate authenticity,
384 00:21:51,474 00:21:54,279 The fact that this spear possesses a kind of power The fact that this spear possesses a kind of power
385 00:21:54,354 00:21:58,279 Is as undeniable today as it was true 1,000 years ago. Is as undeniable today as it was true 1,000 years ago.