Historians say there is a written record back to at least the sixth century. Image experts say the Shroud was the prototype for all Byzantine icons beginning in the 6th century. Anthropologists say the man appears to be a Semitic Jew from 30 to 40 years of age. Jewish scholars say the Shroud is consistent with first century Jewish burial practices. Archaeologists say the Shroud shows details of crucifixion unknown in the Middle Ages.
Coroners say the body shows evidence of rigor mortis.
Botanists say the amount of pollen around the head indicate use in an actual burial. Chemists say there is no evidence of body decomposition. Physicists say the image is the result of dehydrated cellulose. Theorists say such dehydration may have been produced by heat, light or radiation. The religious say it might be evidence for Christ's miraculous resurrection.