Alleged relics of Jesus Christ
There are many
alleged relics of Jesus Christ that are purported to be authentic
relics of the Gospel account. The
Shroud of Turin is perhaps the most well-known Christian relic; its authenticity was questioned due to
radiocarbon dating analysis performed in
1988, the accuracy of which has itself been subsequently questioned.
There are also many fragments of wood that are held to be pieces of the
True Cross by some Christians, that have been similarly questioned. Other alleged relics include the "Icon Not Made by Hands" that He allegedly sent to the King of Edessa, crucifixion nails, the Crown of Thorns,
Veronica's Veil, Jesus' coat,
umbilical cord, hair, tears, blood, milk teeth, and even his
foreskin. Naturally, there are no alleged relics of his bones, because of Christianity's belief in Jesus' bodily resurrection.
In 2002, an ossuary with the inscription Ya`aqov bar Yosef akhui di Yeshua` ("James son of Joseph brother of Jesus") came to light under questionable provenance and was thought by some to be historical evidence for Jesus's "brother" James.
On June 18, 2003, the Israeli Antiquities Authority published a report concluding that the inscription on the ossuary is a modern forgery based on their analysis of the patina. It appears that the inscription was added recently and made to look old by addition of a chalk solution.
The dealer, Oded Golan, was arrested at his Tel Aviv home July 21, on suspicion of forging ancient artifacts. He was released on July 25; as of August 8 charges had not yet been filed against him. Allegedly, authorities found forgery equipment and partially completed forgeries in Oded Golan's home.
See also