Objects from the past that have survived to the present, especially those of historical or religious significance. Remnants or traces of something that has largely disappeared.
From Latin 'reliquiae' meaning 'remains' or 'leftovers,' from 'relinquere' meaning 'to leave behind.' The religious sense developed in early Christianity to refer to physical remains of saints or sacred objects.
Medieval churches competed fiercely to acquire relics, as they were believed to have miraculous powers and attracted pilgrims (and their money). The trade in relics was so profitable that forgeries were common - there were supposedly enough pieces of the True Cross in circulation to build a small ship.
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