15 Historic Wonders Housed in the Vatican’s Secret Archives
- The papal bull from Pope Leo X excommunicating Martin Luther.
- A 1530 petition from 81 English clergymen and lords asking Pope Clement VII to annul King Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
- Transcripts from the trial of the Knights Templar.
Does the Vatican have the Ark of the Covenant?
There are many loose ends in history. I have tied up one of them, which is the Ark of the Covenant in St John the Lateran in Rome. Today almost no one knows about this tradition. It can still be seen enshrined above the sacrament altar in St John the Lateran.
Does the original menorah still exist?
The menorah disappeared after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 ce; according to Josephus, the menorah was displayed during the Roman triumphal march, but the menorah displayed on the Arch of Titus is no longer thought to be the Temple candelabra.
Who owns the Vatican treasures?
But documents at the Vatican’s Secret Archives are only released once they’re at least 75 years old—and the archive’s true owner is not the Church, but the Pope. Though people can sue individual dioceses for their information, the Church itself is equivalent to a sovereign nation and can do what it pleases.
Who stole the menorah?
After the 455 Sack of Rome Carried off by the Vandals in the sacking of Rome in 455 AD, the Menorah and other assorted treasures of the Temple in Jerusalem were taken to the Vandal capital, Carthage.
What are the sculptures preserved inside Vatican Museums?
Laocoön is definitely one the greatest sculptures preserved inside Vatican Museums. It is located in the Pio-Clementine area of the Museums and made of marble. The statue also called Lacoon and his sons or Lacoon group recounts the story of Lacoon, that comes from the Greek culture.
Where to find ancient Egyptian artifacts in the Vatican City?
The Gregorian Egyptian Museums – Most people visiting the Vatican City may be surprised to find a huge collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the Vatican Museums. In fact, for centuries, Egyptian treasures had been sought after by European collectors, including the many Popes of the City.
Why should you visit the Vatican Museums?
Just as the Vatican City attracts millions of faithful Catholics to visit, the Vatican Museums have continuously attracted artists and art patrons to make a pilgrimage in the name of art. The variety of things to see in the Vatican Museums are massive and expansive.
Does the Vatican Library have Jewish manuscripts?
The Vatican library has an extraordinary collection of Jewish manuscripts from the Middle Ages, many of them illustrated and many of them acquired forcibly.
