Introduction

The Shroud of Turin has been the focus of extensive study by historians and researchers since the beginning of the twentieth century. It is possibly the world’s most studied historical artifact, generating a regular flow of new research publications. There is, however, one scientific test that overshadows all other research: the 1988 radiocarbon dating. This test dated the cloth to the period 1260–1390AD and was given such extensive publicity that most people today no longer accept the Shroud to be a true relic. Sadly, very few people are aware that this test has been widely criticized for falling short of acceptable scientific standards. Similarly, most people remain unaware of the wealth of compelling evidence that contradicts the conclusions of that test and supports claims of the Shroud’s authenticity.

Research and Controversy

This book reveals extracts from secret discussions on dating evidence from the Shroud Science Group, a private, international forum of Shroud researchers and provides a detailed account of the dating evidence revealed by over a hundred years of research. It outlines reasons why the 1988 radiocarbon dating test continues to attract criticism from respected scientists and also describes a series of innovative flax dating techniques which have recently been used measure the age of Shroud material, producing results that contradict the radiocarbon date.