Shroud of Turin sparks new debate with 2,000-year-old claim

The Shroud of Turin is not only a religious relic but also an object of intense scientific research and numerous controversies. Since it first appeared in historical documents in the 14th century, it has aroused both admiration and doubt. Its authenticity has been questioned for centuries, and radiocarbon dating conducted in the 1980s suggested that the cloth dates back to the medieval period, not to the time of Jesus. However, new research brings exciting information.

The Shroud of Turin is one of history's most controversial and fascinating relics. According to beliefs, it is a linen cloth bearing the image of a crucified man. The image attracts attention because of its mysterious nature and potential connection to Jesus Christ.

Historical sources first mention the Shroud of Turin in the 14th century. In 1354, Geoffroi de Charny presented the cloth as a relic and offered it to the church in Lirey, France. However, in 1389, the Bishop of Troyes, Pierre d'Arcis, described the cloth as "cunningly painted," raising doubts about its authenticity.

In the 20th century, the Shroud of Turin was the subject of much scientific research. The most significant of these took place in the 1980s when radiocarbon dating was employed. This dating indicates that the cloth dates back to between 1260 and 1390, suggesting that the Shroud of Turin was created long after the time of Jesus.

Despite the controversies, the cloth still fascinates many people and is the subject of intense research. Will new technologies bring new information about its true origin?

Recent research on the Shroud of Turin has shaken the scientific world and caused many emotions. This research, conducted by Italian scientist Liberato De Caro and his team from the Institute of Crystallography in Bari, was published in 2022. Although the work dates back to 2019, its results recently gained significance and drew considerable media attention.

De Caro and his team applied a new analysis technique – wide-angle X-ray scattering. Their research suggests that the Shroud of Turin may date back to around 2,000 years ago, corresponding to the time of Jesus Christ. These findings contradict earlier radiocarbon datings, which indicated a period between 1260 and 1390.

The research team argues that the cellulose in the cloth fibres aged more slowly than previously thought, which may suggest that the aging process occurred before the 14th century. According to their theory, the Shroud's storage conditions—low temperatures and proper humidity—could have contributed to its slower aging.

However, these results are not without controversy. Critics note that previous work by De Caro concerning biological traces on the cloth was withdrawn due to doubts about the quality of the research. Therefore, although the new research raises hopes for discovering the truth about the Shroud of Turin, further study and verification are needed before final conclusions can be drawn.