Lost Relic Hunters

Two treasure hunters have uncovered a long-lost hoard of Knights Templar relics that could rewrite history; using cutting-edge methods, they set off on an expedition to reveal the dark secrets behind this mysterious treasure.

The black obsidian chalice, the most stunning relic in Hamilton and Carl's collection, is examined. The pair then head to Portugal to hunt for clues about the chalice's creation. Returning to the UK, the duo investigate its purpose.

Treasure hunters travel to the Holy Land to find out if their prized sword once belonged to the Grand Master of the Knights Templar; cutting-edge archaeology reveals a network of hidden tunnels in Jerusalem with ties to the Bible's greatest relics.

Two treasure hunters retrace the investigations of Nazi relic hunters who searched for the Holy Grail and other lost Templar relics; their expedition reveals just how close the Nazis came to uncovering groundbreaking Templar secrets.

A look at what is arguably the most intriguing item in Carl and Hamilton's collection: the 15th century reliquary casket. Although originating from a later period, a series of engravings on it appear to make veiled references to Templar beliefs.

Carl Cookson and Hamilton White investigate a Crusader sword and helmet that date back more than 900 years. Oxford historian Dr Janina Ramirez helps them decode the symbolism on these ancient relics to show that the sword may have been used in the First Crusade when Christian knights retook the holy city of Jerusalem, and that the helmet, embossed with the Lion of St Mark, was made in Venice.

Carl and Hamilton investigate an extraordinary collection of Celtic gold from the Iberian Peninsula that dates back thousands of years. Amongst the rare artefacts are a gold bowl worth over £1m, fine pieces of jewellery depicting the goddess Astarte, and a stone altar to the god Endovelicus which might have been used in rituals that involved blood sacrifice.

Carl and Hamilton travel to Chartres Cathedral in France, believed to have been built by the Templars, to examine a depiction of a very similar chalice on the north portico. Inside the Cathedral they also come across a famous depiction of a black Madonna which is at the centre of a Christian cult and was also revered by the Templars.

In Hamilton’s possession is a wooden chest stuffed full of relics from medieval Christian pilgrimages. These include clamshell pendants from the Camino de Santiago in Spain and Jerusalem crosses from the Holy Land. In addition, Hamilton has two stone carvings. One is of a pilgrim clad in a cloak and carrying a book and staff; the other is very similar except that he is carrying a spear.

Hamilton has amassed an extraordinary collection of Nazi memorabilia. These include a collection of Nazi badges that were sold to raise money for the German poor, and an ammunition box full of silver bullion bars that were found buried close to a concentration camp in Poland. The badges incorporate many symbols from other ancient religions and cultures that the Nazis used to promote the myth of an Aryan master race.