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Ancient Relics are crucial collectibles in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Each expansive map within the game contains a unique set of these items, including ten relics hidden in the Vatican. Initially, these artifacts may seem insignificant (though locating all 50 could reveal a secret ending), but the excitement of hunting for them is a notable part of the gameplay. Each relic has its own specific conditions for discovery or clever hiding spots. While the game provides a map for assistance, being resourceful and attentive will enhance your chances of success.
Locating all the artifacts in an area is also rewarding, as each collection corresponds with a quest titled "Riddles of the Ancients." Completing these quests grants Adventure Points that can be spent on skill books to improve Indy’s abilities. Regardless, searching for Relics is a fun way to explore the game’s landscape, familiarize yourself with key locations, and learn a bit of history. Here’s how to uncover all the Ancient Relics during your time in the Vatican in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
How to Find Every Ancient Relic in the Vatican
Ancient Relic #1: Under the Library
This is the first Ancient Relic you’re likely to discover while exploring the Vatican, and it’s fairly noticeable. As you work through the main quest titled "The Stolen Cat Mummy," you’ll unlock a hidden passage beneath the Vatican library using an amulet left by a giant. At the end of the passage, you’ll find a skeletal figure slumped over a desk. Proceed around the large circular shelving unit in the room, and you’ll locate the first Ancient Relic on a table in the corner.
Ancient Relic #2: Beyond the Sacred Wounds
Later in the main quest, you’ll need to solve several puzzles to access a long-buried ruin located beneath the Tower of Nicholas V. Since this part is integral to the main storyline, it’s hard to overlook. Upon tackling the puzzles, follow the quest line until you reach the Necropolis. Using Indy’s whip, descend into the chasm inside, and drop down into a narrow pathway. Walk forward briefly, and the second Ancient Relic will be lying on the ground.
Ancient Relic #3: In the Necropolis
Immediately after discovering the previous Ancient Relic, jump into the water ahead of Indy and swim until you reach solid ground. From there, follow the path until you spot a crack in the wall where water is dripping. You’ll need a lit torch to find your next relic, but the water will extinguish the flame if you try to pass through. Instead, turn left and follow the path to locate a smaller hole in the wall. Toss a lit torch inside, return to the crack, retrieve your torch, and move ahead. Eventually, you’ll come across a door blocked by debris; use the torch to burn away the obstruction and claim your next Ancient Relic.
Ancient Relic #4: Breaking Down Doors
Proceed deeper into the ruins and open the gate to the left of your previous find. After descending the narrow ramp, crouch to enter a small passage on the right that leads into a larger room filled with Blackshirts. You’ll need to either sneak or prepare for a confrontation. Notice a door on the right side of the room, just before the staircase leading down. Safely navigate to it and enter.
Ancient Relic #5: Climbing the Rafters
After you’ve obtained the previous artifact, return the Antique Bust back to its original pedestal to open another door in the same room. Continue on, passing beneath a collapsed column. Look up to find a spot to hook your whip. Climb to the rafters and locate another hook for your whip, repeating the action until you ascend to the next room. Move through the doorway into a small chamber where you’ll find a skeleton and the next Ancient Relic.
Ancient Relic #6: Busts & Pedestals, Part 2
From the previous Ancient Relic location, turn around and head down the spiral staircase in the corner of the room. Pull the chain at the bottom to open a gate, then follow the path until you notice a crawlspace.
Ancient Relic #7: The Fountain of Confession
After solving the puzzle regarding the Fountain of Confession, descend the two spiral staircases that appear behind it. Once at the bottom, move forward into the corridor on the right. Shortly after entering, a trapdoor will drop you to a lower level. Follow the path and climb back using the broken columns, then jump across while avoiding the spinning blades.
Ancient Relic #8: The Fountain of Confession, Part 2
Make your way down the staircases behind the Fountain of Confession again, but this time don’t trigger the trapdoor. Continue along the path until you arrive in a room filled with spinning blades. Jump left across the first set of platforms. When you reach the second set, notice a small platform on the left. Drop down and continue forward to discover the next Ancient Relic perched on a crumbling column.
Ancient Relic #9: The Secret Monastery
You’ll find the next Relic inside the Secret Monastery after completing the Silver and Gold Dragon Paths. Once you gain access as part of the main quest, Gina will head right to unlock a door. After it opens, enter and head to the back right corner to discover the Ancient Relic lying on a shelf stacked with books.
Ancient Relic #10: The Secret of Giants
To uncover the final Ancient Relic, complete the sidequest titled "The Secret of Giants," where you must locate and photograph all ten hidden inscriptions scattered around the Vatican. Afterward, return to Antonio, who will reward you with the Ancient Relic. The locations of these inscriptions include:
- In the Belvedere Courtyard fountain
- On top of the scaffolding in Belvedere Courtyard
- Beneath the scaffolding on the Via di Belvedere
- Inside the Apostolic Palace
- Next to the Fountain of Confessions
- In the excavation site
- In the Blackshirt barracks behind the excavation site
- In the museum gardens
- In the sewers
- In the cellar
Once you have all ten Ancient Relics from the Vatican map, you’ll know your quest is complete. If you haven’t collected them all before proceeding in the game, don’t worry; Indiana Jones and the Great Circle allows you to return without any points of no return.
