What did they do with Jesus' cross?

Answer 1

The Romans were prolific executioners and reused their crosses over and over, until they were no longer useable, by which time there really was no original cross. And, of course, after so many uses, the history of all the persons crucified on any one cross would be unknown. Historically, this would have been the fate of each and every cross used in first-century Judea.

However, Helena, mother of the fourth-century Christian emperor, Constantine, went to Jerusalem and, with the help of the local bishop, found every important site concerned with the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. She even found the three crosses of Jesus and the two who were crucified with him. By means of a miracle, the bishop was also able to prove exactly which intact cross was that of Jesus. Unfortunately, each site and relic that Helena found required the destruction of an important pagan temple located at the very spot.

When Helena left Palestine, she took several pieces of wood from the True Cross. The custody of the True Cross itself was entrusted to the bishop of Jerusalem, who gratified the devotion of the pilgrims by the gift of small pieces, which they enchased in gold or gems and carried away to their respective countries.