DNA Analysis of Shroud of Turin Reveals New Detail About Artefact's Origin
About 40 per cent of the human DNA found on the Turin Shroud is from Indian lineages, scientists have announced in a groundbreaking new study. This discovery adds a compelling layer to the ongoing investigation into one of Christianity's most debated relics.
Yarn Likely Sourced from Ancient India's Indus Valley
Researchers, including Gianni Barcaccia from the University of Padova, conducted a meticulous DNA analysis of samples collected from the linen fabric in 1978. Their findings, posted in the preprint server Bioarxiv, indicate the yarn used to create the shroud may have likely come from ancient India's Indus Valley region.
The shroud, measuring approximately 4.4 metres long and 1.1 metres wide, is believed by some to have been used to wrap the body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. First documented in France in 1354, it is currently housed in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, Italy.
Complex Genetic and Microbial Contamination
The analysis identified a vast array of animal, plant, and human material that has contaminated the shroud over centuries. Genetic traces from domestic animals such as dogs, cats, chickens, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and horses were detected, alongside wild species including deer and rabbits.
Plant DNA from carrots, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and various wheat species was also present. The intense human handling of the relic is further evidenced by skin bacteria like Cutibacterium and Staphylococcus found on the samples.
Unexpected Prevalence of Indian Lineages
Scientists noted that about 38.7 per cent of the overall human genomic data extracted from the shroud originates from Indian lineages. This significant proportion is described as unexpected and potentially linked to historical trade interactions.
The presence of such a high percentage of Indian genetic material suggests the possibility that the Romans imported linen or yarn from regions near the Indus Valley, the researchers explained. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the fabric's Mediterranean origins.
Challenges in Identifying Original DNA
Due to the shroud's extensive contact with numerous individuals throughout its history, isolating its original DNA remains a formidable challenge. The study emphasises that the relic's journey across various regions, populations, and eras has left a complex biological signature.
Genetic and microbial evidence discloses a rich and intricate history of the Turin Shroud, reflecting interactions with a diverse array of individuals over time, the team concluded. However, the analysis could not provide a definitive date for the shroud's age.
Despite this limitation, the research offers novel insights into the geographic origins of those who interacted with the artefact. It thoroughly elucidates the biological traces left by centuries of social, cultural, and ecological engagement, marking a significant contribution to the field.
