Decoded Season 2 Episode 11 What Did Jesus Really Look Like?

In season 2, episode 11 of Decoded, entitled "What Did Jesus Really Look Like?", the hosts investigate what Jesus may have truly looked like. They explore the varying depictions of Jesus throughout history and in different cultures, as well as examine the latest scientific research on what people from that time period looked like.

The episode begins with a discussion of how Jesus is most commonly depicted as a white man with long hair and a beard, despite the fact that he was born in the Middle East and would have likely looked vastly different. The hosts visit various churches and galleries to see how Jesus has been portrayed through art over the centuries, which includes African, Indian and Asian depictions.

Next, the episode delves into the latest scientific research on what people from Jesus's time period looked like. Using forensic anthropology and DNA testing, scientists are able to make educated guesses about the physical appearance of people from the past. Interviews with experts reveal the most prominent facial features and characteristics for those living in the Middle East around the time of Jesus.

The team also investigates the Shroud of Turin, a piece of cloth that many people believe was used to wrap Jesus's body after his crucifixion. The shroud contains an image of a man's face with long hair and a beard, and is said to be the most accurate depiction of Jesus. However, the show investigates the authenticity of the shroud, and whether or not it was actually used to cover Jesus's body.

The episode also explores the political and social implications of how Jesus has been depicted throughout history, and how these depictions have been used to support different agendas. The hosts travel to different parts of the world to see how various cultures have portrayed Jesus, offering different perspectives on the matter.

In the end, the episode seeks to answer the question: What would Jesus have really looked like? While the hosts may not have found a definitive answer, they offer compelling evidence and insights on why Jesus may have looked vastly different from the way he is most commonly depicted in Western society.

Overall, season 2, episode 11 of Decoded offers a fascinating and insightful look at a topic that is both culturally and religiously significant, while utilizing the latest scientific research and historical analysis.