Holy Blood, Holy Grail

*The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail* is a book published in 1982 by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln. It explores theories suggesting that Jesus Christ survived the crucifixion, fathered a bloodline, and that this lineage has been secretly preserved by certain secret societies, notably the Knights Templar and the Priory of Sion. The book posits that this hidden bloodline has influenced history, the lineage of European royalty, and the symbols of Christianity, especially the Holy Grail. While historically controversial and considered speculative, it has significantly influenced popular interest in conspiracy theories and alternative Christian histories.