New research on the Shroud of Turin has confirmed its origins in the Middle East
A new study of the Shroud of Turin has revealed traces of a genome characteristic of the Middle East, as well as microorganisms that thrive in highly saline environments, such as the Dead Sea. The data suggest that the cloth likely originated in this very region.
This is confirmed by the study’s findings.
A scientific article will be published shortly and is already available as a preprint. It details the results of an analysis of Shroud material provided by Professor Pierluigi Baimà of Bologna, who claimed in the 1980s that traces of human blood type AB had been detected on the cloth. The new study is authored by Gianni Barchaccia, a professor of genetics and genomics at the University of Padua, along with colleagues from other universities, including Baim Bologna himself, who, unfortunately, passed away before the article was published.
In 2015, Professor Barkaccia had already published an important study in the journal *Nature Scientific Reports*, which reported the detection of DNA from people who had come into contact with the Shroud: over 55.6% originated from the Middle East, about 38.7% from India, and Europeans accounted for less than 5.6%. The presence of Indian DNA is explained by the use of Indian flax in the Jerusalem Temple for sewing the High Priest’s vestments.
The authors of the new article note: “The presence of approximately 38.7% of Indian ethnic lineages may be the result of historical interactions or the import of flax by the Romans from regions adjacent to the Indus Valley, which is linked to the term ‘Hindoyin’ found in rabbinic texts. In particular, the term Sindone (Shroud), derived from the Greek Sindôn, meaning fine linen, may be linked to Sindh—a region known for its high-quality textiles. Historical evidence confirms trade links between India and the Mediterranean, highlighting the importance of these fabrics and prompting further research into ancient cultural interactions and trade practices.
The researchers emphasize that both previous and new findings “provide valuable information about the geographical origins of the people who came into contact with the Shroud during its historical journey through various regions, peoples, and eras.” The new study confirms the presence of haplogroup H33, “widespread in the Middle East and common among the Druze.” “In particular, the Druze population shares a common genetic origin with Jews and Cypriots and has historically intermingled with other peoples of the Levant, notably Palestinians and Syrians,” the authors note.
As for microorganisms, “the reconstructed microbiome of the Holy Shroud reveals a rich diversity of microorganisms typically present on human skin, as well as colonies of archaea adapted to high salinity and fungi, including mold.”
Thus, the new findings confirm that the Shroud of Turin could have been in the Middle East, in high-salinity environments such as the vicinity of the Dead Sea, adding another piece to the mosaic of scientific evidence supporting its authenticity.
As a reminder, the Resurrection of Christ is a movable feast, the date of which changes every year. In 2026, it may be celebrated on either April 5 or April 12, which causes some confusion.
