Forensic aspects and blood chemistry of the Turin Shroud Man

Abstract

On the Turin Shroud (TS) is depicted a faint double image of a naked man who has suffered a violent death. The image seems to be that of a real human body. Additionally, red stains of different size, form and density are spread all over the body image and in a few instances outside the body. Forensic examination by help of different analyzing tools reveals these stains as human blood. The distribution and flow of the blood, the position of the body are compatible with the fact that the Turin Shroud Man (TSM) has been crucified. This paper analyses the already known essential forensic findings supplied by new findings and experiments by the authors. Compared to the rather minute gospel description of the Passion of the Christ, then, from a forensic point of view, no findings speak against the hypothesis that the TS once has enveloped the body of the historical Jesus. Key words: Blood chemistry, crucifixion, forensic studies, Turin Shroud.