In legend and Church tradition, the "Holy Grail" is purported to be the cup, or chalice used by Jesus Christ at The Last Supper. One of Christ's "secret" followers, Joseph of Arimathea is reputed to have caught the blood of Christ as it flowed from His wounds on the cross in the very same chalice. Anyone who drinks from it is said to be healed of injuries and illnesses.

The Holy Grail has figured into many legends, the most famous, perhaps, is the quest of King Arthur and his knights to locate this powerful artifact.

In the early years of the 20th century, a chalice was discovered in Antioch (Syria). This chalice was contructed in a 6th century Byzantine style around an earlier plain silver bowl-shaped cup. It was attributed to be the legendary grail, but this identification is hotly disputed (see the links on "The Antioch Chalice").

Links

Grail Timeline

Grail Legends

SANGRAAL
The Quest for the Holy Grail
THE QUEST OF THE SANGRAAL

Antioch Chalice

Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Grail Legend and Antioch Chalice

Other

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade