Trial by Fire & The Holy Lance
People of the Crusades
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Peter Bartholomew, a servant of a member of Count Raymond's army, experienced a vision of the Holy Lance being located at Antioch. Also known as the Spear of Destiny or the Spear of Longinus, this artifact was alleged to be the spear that pierced the side of Jesus Christ when he was on the cross. The Lance so boosted the Crusaders' morale that they were able to defeat a much larger Muslim force at the Battle of Orontes.
Long criticized by doubters that he had truly found the Holy Lance, Peter Bartholomew agreed to the suggestion of priest Arnul Malecorne that he undergo a trial by fire in order to prove the relic's authenticity. He died of his injuries less than two weeks later, but because he did not die immediately Malecorne declared the trial a success and the Lance genuine.
