Újabb bizonyítékok a torinói lepel hamisítvány mivoltáról
Recent scientific investigations have raised further doubts about the authenticity of the Turin Shroud, long believed by some to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Latest findings indicate that the fabric might actually be a medieval forgery, as highlighted in a recent study. Tests conducted on the relic revealed traces of human DNA from multiple individuals, alongside remnants of carrot, melon, and red coral.
The absence of plant and animal remains typical of the Levant region, linked to biblical narratives, strengthens the argument against the shroud’s authenticity. Notably, some plant species found on the cloth were introduced to the Old World only in the 16th century, suggesting that contamination could have occurred centuries later. Additionally, some DNA samples trace back to India, further hinting at a different origin for this controversial artifact.
Researchers assert that the body of evidence consistently supports the position that the Turin Shroud is a product from the medieval era. This rectangular piece of cloth, measuring 4.4 meters in length and 1.1 meters in width, bears the faint outline of a human figure and displays numerous stains, which many claim to be blood. The first documented reference to this famous fabric dates back to 1354 in the village of Lirey, France, and debates surrounding its connection to Jesus have persisted ever since.
The most compelling evidence regarding the age of the shroud originates from a radiocarbon dating test conducted in 1989, which indicated that it was fabricated between 1260 and 1390, firmly placing its creation in the Middle Ages. Recent analyses revealed that the human figure depicted on the cloth is merely a replica of a statue, underscoring the lack of proof for its 2000-year existence. Furthermore, it is noted that the intricate multi-pedal looms necessary for its production were unlikely to have existed in Europe, India, or the Levant area during the alleged time of its creation.
Could the shroud originate from India instead of Turin?
Gianni Barcaccia, a professor of genetics and genomics at the University of Padua, suggested in 2015 that the shroud might have been produced in India. To support this claim, genetic analyses were performed on samples taken from the shroud in 1978. Barcaccia and his colleagues applied advanced technology for new DNA and metagenomic analyses on these historic samples to identify DNA remnants. Their results align with the radiocarbon dating from 1989, showing that nearly 40 percent of the human DNA found on the fabric is of Indian origin, further bolstering claims regarding its birthplace.
Among the animal DNA discovered on the shroud, approximately 44 percent was identified as belonging to cats and dogs, with traces of chicken, cattle, goat, sheep, pork, horse, deer, and rabbit also present. Additionally, signs of skin mites, ticks, and various fish species were detected. In terms of plant DNA, carrot DNA constituted around 31 percent of the total plant-derived material. Furthermore, researchers identified remnants of wheat, corn, rye, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, melons, and cucumbers, among other crops, some of which reflect typical European and Mediterranean agricultural practices. Notably, banana, potato, pepper, and tomato were brought to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century. A conspicuous lack of Mediterranean staples such as olives, dates, pomegranates, camels, myrrh, and aloe was also noted.
