History of the Spear of Destiny
<PageTop
Gaius Cassius Longinus received the Spear of Destiny as a gift from his Grandfather, whom had received it from Julius Cesar as a gift for his outstanding military service in the conquest of Gaul. The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Longinus, upon whom they have endowed Sainthood on the Ides of March -March 15 .
The Vienna lance in the Hapsburg museum, which is the primary claimant to the title of the Holy Spear which pierced the side of Jesus, can be traced back to the time of Holy Roman Emperor Otto I (912-973). In 1273 it was used in a coronation ceremony. Circa 1350 Charles IV had a golden sleeve put over the silver one, inscribed "Lancea et clavus Domini" (Lance and nail of the Lord). In 1424 Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund had a collection of relics which included the lance, moved from his capital in Prague to his birthplace in Nuremberg, and decreed that they to be kept there for eternity. This collection was called the Reichskleinodien or The Imperial Regalia.
When Napoleons army approached Nuremberg in 1796 the city councilors moved the Spear of Destiny and other relics to Vienna for safe keeping. The collection was entrusted to a "Baron von Hügel", who promised to return the objects as soon as the safety of the collection was assured. However, the Holy Roman Empire was disbanded and the Spear of Destiny remained in the keeping of the Habsburgs, who lost it only briefly to Hitler in WWII.
The Spear of Destiny subsequently passed through a multitude of hands, coming into the possession of many of Europe’s most important political and military leaders.
St. Maurice
Lance of St. Maurice
The Holy Lance first appears in Europe in the possession of St Maurice . Much of the Story of Maurice is steeped in Early Christian Dogma , so hence some its historical value has been tainted. As per legend , Maurice and his Theban Legion were a completely Christianized Imperial Roman Garrison from Thebes in Upper Egypt. In 287 AD his legion was called from Africa to assist in putting down a revolt in Gaul. The soldiers were ordered to sacrifice to the Pagan Gods in thanksgiving, they refused. in retaliation Every tenth soldier was killed. Another order to sacrifice was issued and again they refused which caused a second decimation. Eventually the entire legion was executed.
Another version has the legion refusing Maximian's orders only after discovering a town they had just destroyed had been inhabited by innocent Christians.
Constantine and the Holy Lance
<PageTop
Maximian's successor , Constantine used the Spear of Destiny at the battle of Milvan Bridge in 312 AD, as per legend he believed the Spear of Destiny led him to victory. Constantine became the sole Roman emperor and legalized / Christianity as well as the other "pagan" religions of the era. Christianity becoming the official religion of the Holy Roman Empire was an event that has had monumental consequences on the last several thousand years of Human history. In 325 AD Constantine called the Council of Nicea during which he consolidated the Churches of the Mediterranean and Europe . During the Council , while debates raged the Emperor Constantine sat regally , quietly clutching the Spear of Destiny.
After Constantine's demise the Spear of Destiny passed to his heirs eventually ending with his Grandson Julian. Julian belittled tales of the Holy Lances power and attempted to restore religion in the Roman Empire to the point it was at before his Grandfather Constantine the Great consolidated all major religion under the banner of the Vatican. Julian was unsuccessful
King Athelstan and the Holy Lance
<PageTop
Exactly how the Holy lance came into the possession of an English King is not 100% Certain, But According to William of Malmesbury, relics such as the Sword of Constantine and the Lance of Charlemagne came to Athelstan, suggesting some sort of association or lineage. Secrets of the Holy Lance: The Spear of Destiny in History & Legend has the spear coming to Athelstan from Heinrich I also known as Henry the Fowler , the first king of Germany.
The English Nation would have vanished from History in the Tenth Century, but for one crucial Battle. The Battle of Brunanburh fought by King Athelstan. A combined Army of Scottish, Welsh and Norse/Vikings vastly outnumbered the Anglo forces of Athelstan. They were miraculously/easily defeated , a victory that Athelstan accredited to the Spear of Destiny that he possessed and carried into battle.
Shortly before his death the Spear of Destiny passed to Otto the Great of the Holy Roman Empire as part of a dowry for Otto marrying his half sister. Pope John XII used it to christen Otto the Great as Holy Roman Emperor; who carried it into victory over the Mongolian Hordes .
Attila the Hun and the Holy Lance
<PageTop
Alaric, King of the Visigoths {Goths}, conquered and plundered Rome and captured the Spear of Destiny, but it is believed he left it behind when he went on to conquer Sicily, he failed and died several months later. { The Treasure Of Alaric }
Another Barbarian King Aetius allied to Rome defeated Atilla the Hun, and the Spear of Destiny is credited as being his talisman. Aetius was later murdered by Emperor Valentinian III .
Atilla the Hun briefly possessed the Spear of Destiny , he had ransacked much of Italy and was at the Gates of Rome, but was bought off by Pope Leo I with a vast treasure trove. As he turned to leave Rome heading Northwards, he hesitated and drew a slender weapon from his saddle. Angrily tossing it towards a group of nervous Roman officers nearby, he shouted.
" Take back your Holy Lance, it is of no use to me since I know not him that made it Holy !"
The Holy Lance next appears in the possession of Emperor Justinian {482-565}, and thereafter it disappeared for about two Centuries.
|