The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian faith, with the cross becoming a revered symbol. The fate of the original cross, however, remains a subject of mystery and debate.
Numerous churches and monasteries worldwide claim to possess fragments of the "True Cross." These claims often trace back to accounts from the 3rd and 4th centuries, which detail the discovery of the wood used in Jesus' crucifixion. According to these historical narratives, Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, discovered the cross in Jerusalem. Some accounts suggest the True Cross was identified as the only one bearing the marks of nails, as described in the Gospel of John.
The authenticity of these relics is a matter of historical contention. Some historians propose that the wood may have been reused by the Romans, while others attribute the veneration of relics to a desire for a tangible connection to religious figures. Theologian John Calvin famously remarked on the abundance of claimed fragments, suggesting that if collected, they would amount to a ship's load of wood. Experts note that definitively locating the True Cross is improbable, and the term "cross" may have referred to a simple wooden stake.