Abstract

The Shroud of Turin is a 14.3 by 3.6 foot linen cloth that has been in Turin, Italy, since 1578. Ancient tradition has long claimed this piece of cloth to be the authentic burial cloth of Jesus Christ. This is supported by full-size images on the Shroud of the front and back of a man who was crucified exactly as the New Testament says Jesus was crucified. So far, historical research has been unable to prove or disprove whether the Shroud is the authentic burial cloth of Jesus. Scientific research regarding its authenticity must be accomplished by following the scientific evidence where it leads, without bias or preconceptions. This process of following the evidence where it leads is the essence of forensic science. It can be described as reverse engineering from the evidence back to the cause. Scientific research on the Shroud can be divided into four periods.