Ep 1. The Real Face of Jesus

The History Specials season 1 episode 1, titled The Real Face of Jesus, explores the quest to uncover the true appearance of Jesus Christ. For centuries, millions of people have commemorated Jesus' face by creating numerous paintings and sculptures of him all around the world, which has shaped people's image of him. However, very few, if any, of these works actually depicted what Jesus looked like, and it remains a mystery to this day.

In The Real Face of Jesus, viewers will join experts as they seek to uncover the closest likeness possible of Jesus Christ by using the latest forensic anthropology facial reconstruction technology, combined with scientific research on the time period and culture in which Jesus lived. The experts will examine the Shroud of Turin, a piece of cloth believed by many to be the burial shroud used to wrap Jesus' body after his crucifixion, to get a glimpse of his features. They will also analyze other historical documents and works of art to gain context and clues that could help create an accurate representation.

As the experts piece together information from various sources, they'll also discuss the controversies surrounding the images of Jesus that have been created throughout the centuries, including the fact that most of these depictions were created without any historical context, leading to a very different picture of what Jesus may have actually looked like. Additionally, some believe that certain aspects were intentionally exaggerated or changed for religious reasons, making the task of uncovering the truth more challenging.

The Real Face of Jesus also delves into the cultural and religious significance of Jesus' appearance throughout history. Some scholars argue that because Jesus was from the Middle East, he would have had dark skin, hair, and eyes, while others believe that he may have looked more Caucasian due to Roman influence. Furthermore, the religious significance of Jesus' appearance has led to certain beliefs and stereotypes about him that endure to this day.

Finally, once the experts have completed the facial reconstruction process and have a potential likeness of Jesus, they present it to various people of different backgrounds and cultures, asking them what they think of the image and how it compares to the images they've seen before. This process provides a unique perspective on how people's views and beliefs about Jesus are shaped by various factors, including cultural background and upbringing.

Overall, The Real Face of Jesus is a fascinating exploration of one of history's greatest mysteries and challenges viewers to question their preconceived notions about one of the world's most significant religious figures. Through cutting-edge technology and research, viewers will receive insights into how Jesus may have really looked and how his image has evolved over time.