March 8, 1996



Excalibur Technologies Corporation
2000 Corporate Ridge
McLean, Virginia 22101



Dear Sirs:

     We are  acting  as  counsel  to  Excalibur  Technologies  Corporation  (the
"Company")  in  connection  with the  Registration  Statement on Form S-3, to be
filed on March 8, 1996 (the "Registration Statement"),  under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), covering 350,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Shares"), which are being offered for the
account of certain shareholders of the Company.

     We have examined the  originals,  or certified,  conformed or  reproduction
copies,  of all such records,  agreements,  instruments and documents as we have
deemed relevant or necessary as the basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed.
In all such  examinations,  we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures on
original or certified  copies and the conformity to original or certified copies
of all copies submitted to us as conformed or reproduction copies. As to various
questions of fact relevant to such opinion, we have relied upon, and assumed the
accuracy of,  certificates and oral or written  statements and other information
of or from public officials,  officers or  representatives  of the Company,  and
others.

     Based upon the  foregoing,  we are of the opinion that the Shares have been
validly issued and fully paid and are  non-assessable  shares of Common Stock of
the  Company.  

     We hereby  consent  to the  filing of this  opinion  as an  exhibit  to the
Registration  Statement  and to the  reference  to this firm  under the  caption
"Legal Matters" in the Prospectus forming a part of the Registration  Statement.

                                                 Very truly yours,



                                               TENZER GREENBLATT LLP