Since the first years A.D., billions of people have worshipped, revered and modeled their morals around the teachings and life of Jesus of Nazareth. Yet, very little historical or archeological evidence is available to back up the Biblical narrative of his existence–until now.
Next week, CNN will premiere an original series “Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery.” The six-part documentary investigates key artifacts in the story of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, examining their authenticity using scientific techniques and archeological research.
Through images of artifacts from biblical times, the series offers glimpses into the lives of characters in the biblical Gospels.
The first episode centers on the Shroud of Turin -- said to be the burial linen Jesus was wrapped in after his crucifixion. The shroud still contains traces of human remains, evidently showing the story of Jesus’ passion in one image, from the scourging to the spear in his side. Most notably, the cloth provides a negative image of what is apparently the face of Jesus -- as it covered his head in the tomb.
Archaeologists, theologians, scientists and historians from the world’s leading universities like Harvard, Oxford, Princeton and Yale provide insight into the narrative, and connect evidence presented in the artifacts to the biblical story of Jesus’ life.
Also featured in the series are relics such as the gospel of Judas, the burial box of Jesus’ brother James, relics believed to be of John the Baptist, the gospel of Mary Magdalene, and relics venerated as part of the True Cross.
The series will premiere on Sunday, March 1 at 9 p.m. ET.