According to the Bible, a Roman soldier pierced Jesus' body with a spear to make sure he was dead on the cross. This spear became known as the Holy Lance, but also goes by other names, including the Spear of Destiny. The Holy Lance is a coveted religious relic, said to have special powers. Its history, however, is a bit muddy, and while some claim to have, or to have had, the real thing (including Hitler), lots of questions remain unanswered.
In this gallery, we delve into the history of the Holy Lance, from the crucifixion of Jesus to the present day. Click on to discover all the important details.