There are loads of amazing facts surrounding the shroud - too may to go into now, but a couple of interesting facts about it...
At one time, the shroud was thought to be only 500 years old, because of incorrect radiometric carbon dating (sound familiar) Now, the date has been pushed back to the time of Jesus through a variety of methods such as the type of stitching on the shroud. It is an ancient herringbone stitch, which was used in the first century. The world’s foremost expert on ancient tapestries and clothing stated that there is absolutely no doubt that the shroud is from the time of Jesus!!
Also, there are artistic renditions of the face cloth from the shroud, which also go back to either the first century. The face cloth has the exact same image of the face as the shroud does. When placed on top of the shroud, the image, including blood stains, matched up perfectly. The latest dating analysis confirms the first century date.
At one time scientists believed the stains were paint, however, the NASA scientists confirmed that it is in fact blood, and they were even able to type it!
There are microscopic limestone particles on the feet portion of the shroud, of the type of stone that the tombs were cut from, and which is found only in Jerusalem!! There are many microscopic pollen samples, and even petals from flowers imbedded into the fabric of the shroud. Many of these samples are found in Jerusalem, as well as other locations in the region, and many are exclusively found there. There are no samples that are not from Jerusalem.
The body is anatomically correct, to the point where even the world's greatest masters would have been incapable of producing such a perfect human form. There are details which ancient artists would never have considered, such as the fact that the thumbs are not visible. This is due to the spikes forcing the tendons to compress, and drive the thumbs into the palms.
If you have a real close look at the entire shroud, NASA scientists discovered that you can actually see bones in the hands, fingers, feet and toes. You can also see teeth. This shroud has the same properties as an x-ray!!
A NASA scientist claims that the image had to have been caused by something akin to a radioactive light blast!!!
The conclusion from the NASA boys is that the image on the shroud is a human who was horribly disfigured by a first century Roman style whip, which was designed to rip hunks of flesh from the poor victims body. The man was whipped across his entire body. They agreed that most men would not have survived this beating. (The following information is taken from memory, and may not be completely accurate in measurements) The Roman flagellum was a piece of hardwood about eight inches long. There were nine strips of leather on the end about twelve inches long. At the ends of the leather strips, the Romans tied either pieces of bone, or steel in the shape of a dumbbell. There were two on each tip, and they were about an inch apart. This accomplished the desired effect of ripping hunks of flesh of the victim’s body. Some of the wounds were so destructive, that intestines would actually be visible through the holes in the flesh, and in some cases, would actually spill out.
The man was crucified and had deep holes imbedded into his skull (crown of thorns) as well as having his side pierced!!!!
Several of the scientists actually were so moved by their investigation of the shroud, that they became born again Christians!!!!
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