Ep 8. Raiders Of The Holy Lance

In season 3, episode 8 of What on Earth?, titled "Raiders Of The Holy Lance," viewers are taken on a journey through history to uncover the mystery surrounding the Holy Lance, the spear said to have pierced Jesus Christ during his crucifixion.

The episode begins by exploring a recent discovery made by a team of archaeologists who stumbled upon an ancient tomb in Bulgaria. Inside the tomb, they found a spear thought to be the legendary Holy Lance, which was said to be possessed by the likes of Charlemagne, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Adolf Hitler.

The show then delves into the history of the Holy Lance, tracing its origins back to the Byzantine Empire during the 4th century. The spear was believed to have been wielded by the Roman soldier Longinus, who was said to have pierced the side of Jesus with it during the Crucifixion. According to legend, the spear then passed through the hands of various rulers, including Constantine the Great, until it eventually ended up in the possession of the Holy Roman Emperor Otto III.

From there, the episode explores the various legends and myths surrounding the spear, including its supposed mystical powers and its ability to grant invincibility to its possessor in battle. The legendary ruler Charlemagne is said to have carried the spear into battle and is rumored to have used it to defeat Muslim armies in Spain.

The episode then takes a darker turn, as it explores the role the Holy Lance played in Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime. The Nazi leader was said to have been obsessed with the spear and believed that its possession would grant him the power he needed to conquer Europe. He reportedly sent his army to Austria in search of the spear, ultimately leading to the discovery of another possible Holy Lance in the city of Nuremberg.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the various locations associated with the Holy Lance, including the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna and the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Trier.

Overall, "Raiders Of The Holy Lance" is a fascinating exploration of one of history's most enduring and mysterious artifacts. Through expert analysis and stunning imagery, the episode sheds new light on the legends and myths surrounding the Holy Lance, while also delving into its darker historical significance.