Why an Atheist Thinks the Shroud of Turin is the Real Deal

Curcuas Captures the Image of Edessa

Curcuas, when he arrived at Edessa, offered to spare the city if it surrendered the Image of Edessa. But he was rebuffed because the significant Christian population of the city balked at giving up their priceless relic. Leaving a siege force behind, Curcuas continued raids throughout the region collecting more loot and prisoners. Finally, the Caliph of besieged Edessa agreed to surrender the cloth after Curcuas agreed to a payment of silver, the freeing of hundreds of Muslim prisoners and a promise of perpetual immunity from further attack. Various outdated histories give different accounts of what the Image of Edessa was. It was the Veronica, some said. It was the Holy Mandylion that is now in a  church in Genoa. But there can be little doubt, as we will see, that it was a full length burial cloth. (23)