Unexpected Discovery
Archeologists have made some pretty rare finds in recent history, but this time they've hit the jackpot! Hidden away in the tomb of a prominent historical figure were these two mysterious items. But now it seems like the mystery is over as these two objects have been linked to Jesus Christ himself!
People all over the world are zooming in to see the authenticity of these artifacts. If scientists are correct, then these items could be one of the most precious objects on earth! Do you have any idea what it is yet—or how it links to Jesus?
Fact or Fiction?
Most people picture the Holy Grail as a majestic jeweled embossed cup hidden somewhere in the world by a secret group. Researchers believe that the Holy Grail is, in fact, real, and it exists on this planet today.
Medieval history lecturer Margarita Torres and art historian José Miguel Ortega del Rio concluded that this artifact rests in the Basilica of San Isidoro in the northern Spanish city of León. So if this is definitely real, why haven't we seen people's miracles or supernatural events?
The Holy Grail
Several artifacts have been speculated that they have been used or touched by Jesus. The most popular mythical artifact that has yet been found is the Holy Grail. We've seen several non-fiction movies and shows about the search of this mythical item.
In the Bible, the Holy Grail was used as a chalice or cup used by Jesus Christ during the last supper. Miracles and power were said to be instilled in a person if they drink from the cup. This item is only one of the many items sought out through time.
Things Believed
Other than the Holy Grail, many more artifacts have been discovered throughout time. Wood from the cross has been found and presented to the public and the Holy Tunic, which Christ wore before his Crucifixion.
Furthermore, these relics or findings might be difficult to believe in, especially since they come from a time before, but devote Christians still pay pilgrimage. Do you think they are real?
Present In The Crucifixion
Some scholars believe that the Holy grail was used to save the blood of Christ when he was nailed to the cross. In the Bible, Jesus was punished because of the cruelty of men that he had to die to save everyone.
This is probably one of the most important parts of scripture that Christians believe in until today. So if the Holy Grail was used then, where is it now?
The Shroud of Turin
Another relic of Christ is the Shroud of Turin. This piece of cloth was said to have been used to wrap Christ's body after his Crucifixion. On May 28, 1898, a photographer named Secondo Pia saw the face of Jesus on his photographic plate.
In 1958 Pope Pius XII validated the Shroud of Turin as indeed the Holy Face of Jesus. This piece of cloth can still be found in the royal chapel of the cathedral of San Giovanni Battista in Turin, Italy, where the face can be seen by visitors.
Nails Of The Cross Documentary
In 2011 a Jacobovici documentary graced us with a controversial discovery. The film talks about how these historical artifacts were found and how they came to be. He intrigued so many people with his theory!
Viewers and critics have been skeptical about the history of these artifacts because it relates to an influential and historical time where Jesus was. This was considered a moment that we still remember today. What historical moment could it be?
The Expert
With this revelation at hand, many experts dove into the study of these artifacts. One expert, in particular, voyaged on to study the discoveries authenticity. Aryeh Shimron, who specializes in geology, set out a team in Jerusalem.
They began studying biblical texts and records into where these artifacts were found. Can you guess where these nails were discovered? They were found in a place that may be connected to the very important time in Jesus Christ's life.
Shocked The World
With all his efforts and hard work, he was able to publish his finishing in June 2020. The results of his study do indeed place these nails in a tomb. It belonged to an old dead priest during biblical times. Can you guess who they are?
This is not the only shocker of their findings! The Jacobovici film might be suitable in telling the public that these nails may be connected to the Crucifixion of Jesus.
Peace Forest
Going back to the speculated Nails of The Cross, Archeologists are still debating the authenticity of the artifacts. The start of this knowledge dates back to 1990 when the Israel Antiquities Authority or the IAA started excavating in the area known as the Peace Forest.
During their work, they were able to find something extremely interesting. What do you think they found?
Burial Chamber
Underground, the IAA's team found a burial chamber. They found ossuaries, a room in which the bones of dead people were placed. With this discovery, experts came to study who these bones were and what family they belonged to.
The bones were said to have been from 2000 years ago. Studying the tomb was a long shot, but they had to try to find out its origin.
Caiaphas and His Son
Later on, they found mysterious markings on the boxes. It was written in a different language but when the writings were translated it revealed two names, Caiaphas and Joseph (Son of Caiaphas).
These names were indeed familiar. Most do not know that these names were mentioned in the Holy Bible. So what does Caiaphas have to do with the nails?
The Priest
Joseph Caiaphas was a high priest during Christ's time in Jerusalem. He was said to have given Jesus and his disciples over to the Roman authorities for punishment. This High Priest, wasn't a favorite among the disciples of Jesus.
His involvement with Jesus can be found in the New Testament. Furthermore, he was not an ally, so what has he got to do with all of this?
Found In The Tomb
Other than the bones and remains of Joseph Caiaphas and his family, one nail was found beside the tomb. Another one was found hidden with a bunch of bones in the same area. Other remnants of the family was left behind.
Experts were wondering why nails would be buried with their remains. Does it mean that Cephias kept these nails until he died and what was the reason why he kept them?
Used to Carve
Archeologists who manned the excavation assumed that the nails were used to carve the names on the tombs. Other than the carved names, patterns and marking could be seen on the tombs, themselves. This was only a calculated guess based on what they saw and studied.
Since then, the nails were considered unimportant to the researchers not until the documentary of Jacobovici. Now, people are putting two and two together.
The Two Nails
In the Nails of The Cross, a physical anthropology expert named Israel Hershkovitz discussed the importance of these nails. Controversy has eclipsed these artifacts because a group believes it is connected to the Life of Jesus while others have different stories.
Since 2011, the IAA disclosed that the nails had been with a renowned anthropologist named Nicu Haas. It was part of an exhibit that included a human heel bone pierced by a nail which was the only ancient evidence left for the Crucifixions.
Already Found
Haas, unfortunately, suffered from a coma in 1975 that caused Joe Zias to take over his work. The nails were then transferred to Tel Aviv where Jacobovici was able to possess them. Speculation that these nails were already found swarmed the public.
In an interview with Haaretz, Joe said, “Evidently, during their transfer, the note regarding their provenance was misplaced, and certain ‘wannabe archaeologists’ decided it would be a great story to say they were from the Caiaphas tomb.”
Film Maker's Doom
Most experts disagree with the documentary Nails of the Cross. Most of them said that the film did not have enough evidence to support their claim, and the timeline did not make sense.
Jacobovici turned a blind eye to critics and the archeology community because he was convinced that he had made an outstanding discovery. Shimron, a friend of the filmmaker, decided to find more evidence of his own to find the truth.
Two of The Same
So what did Shimron find out? With the help of other experts and scientists, they compared the nails from Jacobovici to the nails found in Caiaphas's tomb. To their surprise, the nails do match.
Shimron shared, “Consequently, caves have distinct physical and chemical signatures. The physical and chemical properties of the materials which, over centuries, have invaded the tomb and its ossuaries were investigated. Our analysis clearly and unequivocally demonstrates that these materials are chemically and physically identical to those which have, over centuries, also become attached to the nails.”
Wet Stones
This wasn't the only interesting fact in their findings. Through extensive study and experiments, both nails and tombs were coated in calcite carbonate or flowstone. These artifacts were experiencing high humidity, most likely in wet caves.
However, humid caves were not typical, particularly in Jerusalem. So, if Jerusalem wasn't always humid. then why are they covered in flowstone?
The Only Explanation
Apparently, there has been an aqueduct just a few feet near the Caiaphas tomb. These are structures that help the flow of water to and from settlements. Because of the flow of water, the crypt was exposed to water and making it humid.
This backed Shimron's theory as well as his findings. He tested and studied twenty-five crypts and forty ossuaries in the area with his team, and what they learned will shock you!
The Only Match
The effort of Shimron paid off as he only found one match...the nails from the documentary and the nails from the tomb are from the same place. Although this only proves that the nails were from one setting, it's not enough evidence for the Nails of The Cross theories to be true.
A thousand bodies were crucified in Jesus's time so the flesh specimen could be any of the thousands! It wasn't enough proof to say that they were the same nails used on Jeses.
Jacobovici’s theory
The documentary explains that Caiaphas took the nails from the Crucifixion site as a sign of regret and penance. It was a reminder of his wrong choices that led to Christ's death. During that time, these artifacts were considered special and important just like the Holy Grail.
However, if Caiaphas did take the nails then why were they split in the first place and not all collected in the family's tomb? These are only a few questions swarming the public's minds.
Passed Down
Because the nails were found in the Caiaphas tomb, does that mean they were passed down from generation to generation, maybe to keep the family from misery or bad omens?
If that's the case then, they were in possession of one of the most important artifacts known to man! There was also more evidence to prove that Shimron and Jacobovici were right.
Secret In The Bones
With the use of an advanced microscope, the nails seem to have bone remains on them. This proves the point that people used these nails for the Crucifixion.
Who could have imagined that bone particles could still be found in a 2000-year-old nail? However, how sure were they that these were used on Jesus Christ?
Is it enough?
Shimron shared that his findings of the bone particles and matching them with the nails found in Caiaphas's tomb claim a strong disposition. He felt that the coincidence of seeing the artifacts in the tomb was tipping the scale more to one side.
He believes that the public can have an opinion on whether they believe the stories are true, but he chooses to look at the scientific evidence as proof and not just hearsay.
Cedar Tree
On the contrary, some particles of a Cedar tree were found on the nails. In addition, this kind of tree was relatively scarce in Jerusalem during that time. The massive green towering trees were a sight for sore eyes during that time.
It costs a great sum to import Cedarwood from Lebanon to Jerusalem. Would the Romans spend that much money for a wooden cross? Maybe they would spend that much if the name, "Son of God' will be Crucified.
A Special Event
In the Bible, Christ's crucifixion was an extremely important moment for both the Romans and the followers of Jesus. Shimron theorizes that the cedarwood cross was used because of this particular circumstance.
The length of the nails also served as another piece of evidence. They were only two inches long which was the right length for a human hand to be impaled on wood.
IAA Defense
“To the understanding of the Antiquities Authority, the nails in question may have been used to crucify any of the hundreds of people who challenged Roman authority and were executed,” the IAA said.
They advised the public that the evidence was not enough to prove that the nails were used to impale Jesus on the cross. It has no historical claims, and people should be cautious.
Two Sides of a Coin
Nails of the Cross have gone through great strides in proving their theory. However, the Israel Antiquities Authority also has strong points on why it's not to be believed.
When experts and researchers discover something interesting about the past, people tend to flock towards it. It still depends on whether you believe on one side of the coin or the other. So who do you think is telling the truth?