It's a sacred object that's been shrouded in mystery for centuries. We're talking, of course, about the Holy Grail. Now, some historians claim they've discovered the legendary chalice.
"Two historians claim that this is the cup that Jesus drank from at the Last Supper. It had been on display in a church in Spain. The onyx goblet is now encased in a gold chalice." (Via ABC)
As for the topic of the Holy Grail itself? It has been sung about, and even spoofed. Monty Python, anyone? (Via Roc-A-Fella / Jay-Z), (CBS / "Monty Python and the Holy Grail")
But this time around, some say there's reason now to believe this is the real deal. The researchers spent three years studying it.
"They say it's been there since the 11th century, and while scientific data proves the cup was made between 200 B.C. and 100 A.D., the scientists admit they don't know where the cup was for the first 400 years." (Via KFSN)
So, maybe this isn't the cup that Jesus drank out of during the Last Supper, but who knows?
"Curators have pulled the cup from the exhibit until they can find a space large enough for the throngs of pilgrims who now want to take a look." (Via CNN)
The Irish Times explains the two historians behind the research say the onyx chalice is contained within another antique cup.
"The duo had initially been researching the history of some Islamic remains in the Saint Isidore basilica. However, their discovery of two medieval Egyptian documents which mentioned the chalice of Christ caused them to change course."
And Fox News reports, according to parchments, Muslims took the cup from Jerusalem to Cairo. Then it was given away, but eventually came into possession of King Ferdinand of Castile, who was a Christian.
We can't say for sure this latest discovery ever touched Christ's lips. If the Holy Grail does exist, historians have said said it could be anywhere from Jerusalem to Italy.
