Jerusalem’s True Cross Relic

This wooden fragment survived two thousand years and sparked the bloodiest wars in history.

The True Cross relic, housed in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, is believed to be

from the cross Jesus was crucified on. Discovered by Helena, Constantine's mother, in 326 CE,

it's protected by Byzantine gold and precious gems because pilgrims would steal pieces.

Medieval Christians believed touching it could heal disease and guarantee salvation, making it Christianity's

most contested object. Most "True Cross" pieces are fake, this one's authenticated by archaeological

context and radiocarbon dating to the first century.