First Century Age for the Shroud
Non-Radiometric, Scientific Dating Methods
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Guilio Fanti [2015, ch 6-7], prof. of engineering, Univ. of Padua, Italy, obtained and tested several ancient linen threads, including some from the Shroud. Blind testing was used. The methods below were calibrated with ancient samples with known historical dates.
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Using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR):
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Shroud age: 300 BC ± 400 years.
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Raman method (laser based, chemical composition):
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Shroud age: 200 BC ± 500 years.
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Multi-parametric mechanical properties:
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Shroud age: 400 AD ± 400 years.
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Combined (95% reliable) statistical result:
Shroud age: 33 BC ± 250 years
Another Indication of a First Century Age
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The image of a coin minted by Pontius Pilate in AD 27-36 is on at least one eye. There is even a misspelling visible on the coin, which is the same as on an extant coin. [Antonacci 2000, 103]
Conclusion
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The dates derived from spectroscopy, Raman, and mechanical tests statistically produced a date of 33 BC ± 250 years with 95% reliability.
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This range of dates readily includes the likely year of Jesus’ death: AD 33.
Implication
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These three independent tests question the radiocarbon dating and beg for a verifiable explanation more satisfying than those listed above. See Radiation Hypothesis