Discover the groundbreaking study by scientists from Italy’s Institute of Crystallography, using WAXS technology to date the Shroud of Turin’s linen to the time of Jesus Christ, challenging previous medieval attributions.
Editorial (01/21/2025 14:08, Gaudium Press) Scientists from the Institute of Crystallography in Italy conducted a new scientific study of the Shroud of Turin, using the advanced Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) technology to determine the age of the fabric. This sophisticated technique allowed them to delve deeper into the material’s properties, leading to the conclusion that the linen of the Shroud was manufactured approximately 2,000 years ago, during the time when Jesus Christ lived. Such findings have profound implications for the understanding of the Shroud.
In order to uncover details of the linen’s intricate structure and the natural aging patterns of cellulose, the researchers meticulously analyzed eight small fabric samples, employing specific parameters such as temperature and humidity to reach their remarkable findings. This careful approach ensured a high level of accuracy and reliability in their results, providing a new perspective on the Shroud’s age.
Dr. Liberato De Caro, the lead researcher, explained in detail why the carbon dating method adopted in the 1980s, which estimated that the Shroud was made between the years 1260 and 1390, was unreliable. “Fabric samples are generally subject to all kinds of contamination, which cannot be completely removed from the dated sample,” he detailed, emphasizing the importance of using more precise techniques like WAXS for dating ancient textiles.
Furthermore, researchers from the Institute of Crystallography reported compelling evidence of wounds caused by the crown of thorns on the head, injuries on the arms and shoulders, and lacerations on the back, entirely coinciding with the biblical account of the Passion of Christ. These findings offer a vivid corroboration of the religious narrative, sparking renewed interest in the Shroud’s potential authenticity and its role in Christian history.
Scientists from the Institute of Crystallography in Italy have conducted a thorough study of the Shroud of Turin. They employed Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) technology, a cutting-edge method, to determine the fabric’s age. Their comprehensive analysis shows the linen was made about 2,000 years ago, providing a timeline that aligns closely with the era of Jesus Christ and offering insights into ancient textile production.
The researchers carefully examined eight small fabric samples. They focused on the linen’s structure and the aging patterns of cellulose, ensuring that their investigation was comprehensive and detailed. By employing specific conditions like temperature and humidity, they were able to ensure accurate findings, adding credibility to their conclusions.
Dr. Liberato De Caro, who led the research, discussed the limitations of the carbon dating method from the 1980s. This method had previously dated the Shroud to between 1260 and 1390, leading to widespread skepticism about its authenticity. He highlighted the method’s unreliability due to potential contamination of samples, underscoring the need for more advanced techniques in such critical analyses.
Moreover, researchers found compelling evidence of wounds from a crown of thorns on the head, along with injuries on the arms and shoulders and cuts on the back. These discoveries match the biblical account of the Passion of Christ, providing a tangible connection to historical events described in religious texts. This study has not only advanced scientific understanding but also enriched the cultural and spiritual discourse surrounding one of history’s most enigmatic artifacts.
