Synopsis

The idea that power exists in the remains of heroes and the things they leave behind is the focus of an Arena trilogy broadcast this weekend and introduced by this programme. Religious devotion is not the only source of modern-day relics. Pop stars and politicians achieve cult status, with fans paying huge sums for their memorabilia. The series will investigate three modern-day examples, starting tomorrow night at 7.55pm with Einstein's brain. Tonight's programme attempts to establish the notion of what a relic is.