The Shroud image is so detailed that forensic scientists can clearly describe the man’s appearance.

His features are consistent with a Middle Eastern or Semitic origin: an oval-shaped face, a long, prominent nose, and almond-shaped eyes. His long hair spills over his shoulders, and is gathered in the back in an unbound ponytail. These details line up with what we know about Jewish men from the first century. The beard and long hair indicate the man was not a Greek or a Roman.

Experts estimate the man was between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall. This is taller than the average height for men in first-century Jerusalem. Archaeologists have discovered other skeletons of this height in first-century Jewish communities. The man appears strong, well-nourished, and accustomed to physical labor.

The man’s beard and hair are separated from the face, possibly by a chin band to keep his mouth closed after death. His beard is split in the middle, where it appears that hairs have been removed. Flat, round objects cover both his eyes. This was a common practice to keep the eyes closed after death. The round objects could have been coins. Further study is needed to learn more about them.

The level of anatomical detail on the Shroud is extraordinary. But how did this image come to be on the cloth in the first place? We’ll explore that question later on.