Posted on 04/26/2017 2:52:31 AM PDT by NYer
In an interview with RCF Liège, the numismatist Agostino Sferrazza addressed the old question on the coins that cover the eyes of the Man of the Shroud. According to his conclusions, these pieces must have been coined in the days of Pontius Pilate, circa the year 29. This could constitute an additional proof of the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin.
Back in 1976, the hypothesis of the presence of coins covering the eyes of the Man of the Shroud was first introduced, thanks to a 3D projection of the mysterious image. In it, scientists note the presence of small bulges on the ocular orbit bones which wouldn’t match any possible morphological particularities. The hypothesis states these might have been leptons: small coins of low value that were common in Palestine in Roman times.
These initial observations were pushed further. Using advanced technologies, researchers have tried to identify drawings and inscriptions on these alleged coins. On the disc covering the right eye, apparently a “lituus” (a curved augural staff used in Roman religion) can be observed. On the disc over left eye, we find a sacrificial cup. Those who refute the authenticity of the are expected to also refute this theory quite vigorously, suggesting that those who want the Shroud to be dated to the time of Christ are “willing themselves” to see the imprint coins where only simple interwoven textile fibers are to be found.
But these refutations can be contrasted with further evidence. Besides the drawings, researchers have managed to read the letters UKAI in the coins. This is thought to be the visible part of the word “TIBERIOUCAIKAROS,” Greek for Tiberius Caesar; that is, Emperor Tiberius. This would be a strong indication that these coins are comparable with other currencies from the Roman era, and might indeed be pieces that were being used at the time of Jesus’ Passion.
In his interview with RCF Liège, Agostino Sferrazza supports the theory of the authenticity of the pieces and dates them to the time of Pontius Pilate. This theory is based on the images produced by computer scientist Nello Balossino, an associate professor at the Turin Faculty of Sciences, who succeeded in bringing out an image of the sacrificial cup on the right eye of the Man of the Shroud. According to Agostino Sferazza, there is no doubt: these pieces were indeed coined in 29 AD.
This article was originally published in Aleteia’s French Edition.
Catholic ping!
Ping!
The widow’s mites
WOW
I don’t know if coins were used in the Jewish burial rites at the time. Perhaps some FReeper could chip in.
The technology expended on this shroud is telling. A grasping world searching for a tangible link to the intangible. This shroud is too another icon that needs to be put away while we, should search out our hearts for the Spirit that can dwell within each and every one of us.
The technology expended on this shroud is telling. A grasping world searching for a tangible link to the intangible. This shroud is too another icon that needs to be put away while we, should search out our hearts for the Spirit that can dwell within each and every one of us.
Notice the word hypothesis.
Palestine? There was no “Palestine” at the time of Jesus.
So the coins date to 29 CE? Hmmmm.... Please ignore the carbon 14 testing which dates the actual shroud to 1260–1390 CE.
So silly...
Additionally, nobody has come up with a viable explanation for how an artist in the 13th century came up with a method to impress an anatomically perfect image of a crucified man onto the cloth. It's not painted on.
“New test dates Shroud of Turin to era of Christ”
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/03/30/shroud-turin-display/2038295/
” . This shroud is too another icon that needs to be put away”
I agree somewhat, however
“And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.” John 20:7
Our Lord and the Holy Spirit had some reason for recording this fact for us, as a witness. The more I come to understand about Gods Holy Word, the more I realise there are no frivolous details recorded, every word, every place, name and activity is included for a reason.
Lots of conjecture here, but IF this reference in John Chapter 20 could be the Sudarium of Oviedo and it has any linkage back to the Shroud of Turin? it would push the date for the Shroud back to the 7th Century,
We could never directly prove the Shroud was the burial cloth for Jesus, however for anyone looking there is much to consider here, whatever it is, it does not appear to be a fake (relic) burial cloth.
There were issues with that dating test, the shroud has many open questions concerning it’s origins.
These people are merely trying to answer them.
“Palestine? There was no “Palestine” at the time of Jesus.”
The State of Palestine is a modern creation.
The region of Palestine has been called such since ancient times, including the time of Jesus.
Thousands have tried to recreate the shroud and its image, none successfully. That should tell you something.
I never did understand what the big deal was with this shroud anyway. If it’s a fake, so what? That doesn’t change the fact that Jesus was crucified and resurrected. That’s what’s important, not whether or not some piece of cloth covered Jesus’ head after He died.
Even for an atheist, I can’t see the significance. Except for the Resurrection and the miracles Jesus performed, the Gospels are consistent with atheism. That is, there was an influential religious teacher who preached in the Roman province of Judea. He ran afoul of the Jewish religious leaders who conspired with Roman authorities to have Jesus of Nazareth crucified. Presumably Jesus would have been buried in accord with local custom, which includes a burial shroud. Finding that shroud does not constitute evidence that Jesus was anything other than human.
In short, whether fake or not, why does it really matter? Nobody’s beliefs are challenged by it one way or another.
The Emperor Hadrian made the word Palestine up in 100 AD. It was based in the name Philistines, the ancient adversaries of the Jews. To further infuriate them.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.