What Jesus Really Looked Like and What We Know

The canonical image of Jesus Christ has been known to us for a long time. When we see a man with long hair and a beard, dressed in spacious clothes resembling a toga, we immediately feel the archetype. But what did Jesus really look like? Most likely, the image that we know so well does not belong to the prophet.



In order to find out, the editorial board "Site" Joan Taylor of King's College London came to the same conclusion. And we think it's not unreasonable at all. Well, it remains only to get acquainted with the arguments that modern science gives.

The researcher reports that the image, which is so common in the Christian world, finds its roots in distant Byzantine times. And they grow from about the IV century. Then the main emphasis was placed on symbolism, but historical identity was not thought of. It is believed that the prototype was the Roman emperor sitting on the throne.



The light halo seen on icons once symbolized the Greek god Apollo, but later came to be depicted in Jesus to emphasize his divinity. Then Christ was “dressed” in a golden tunic to finally secure for him the title of heavenly ruler, which previously belonged to Zeus. He, by the way, also sits on the throne, and in this the Romans copied him.

The Byzantine architects, who attempted to perpetuate Jesus as king over all things, decided to give him the appearance of a young Zeus. We've known him since then. However, our story does not end there, as there are several important nuances. Like hair and a beard. Did hippies already exist in those days?



What Jesus Looked Like

1. Hair and beard
   Wearing hair and beard was the exclusive prerogative of the “gods.” Even famous philosophers cut their hair, although they separated themselves from other people. As long as Jesus is not portrayed as a ruler, he will appear before us. commoner Among thousands of others - with a short hairstyle and smoothly shaved cheeks.
   
   
   
   Perhaps, like all wandering sages, he had a beard. In his missions, Jesus could ignore going to the barber. Nor was he a Nazarene bound by a vow. There would definitely be evidence of this, as well as long hair, which would definitely be noticed.
   
   
2. Dress
   In the days when Jesus preached, a long toga was only allowed to be worn by people of high social standing. And that, on special occasions. Usually it was a chiton, a short tunic to the knees. While women wore tunics to their ankles. Any changes in the format could provoke a scandal.
   
   
   
   Another one. garment - a cape. Its color could directly indicate the wealth of the owner. For example, blue and red were considered a luxury because paint was incredibly expensive. Jesus, as a man not endowed with high status, wore a cape without color - the other was not fit for him.
   
   Just like everyone else.
3. Face.
   There's nothing supernatural here, either. What could be the face of an ordinary man of that time with Jewish roots? Researchers believe that in this regard, it makes sense to rely on early Byzantine frescoes that have been preserved in ancient temples. However, one should not look at the appearance of Jesus himself, who was already depicted as the king of the world, but, say, at Moses.
   
   
   
   He could have acted as a collective image of the people of that time. Perhaps the Messiah himself looked like this. With short hair, the same short beard, in a simple chiton and a gray wool cape. But what else can the king of ordinary people look like, giving faith in a better life, and at the end of it – the Kingdom of Heaven?
   
   

Now you can only guess. What Jesus Looked Like In fact, we have long been rooted in a completely different, familiar image. It is also noticeable that the expensive and rich attributes of that time are now perceived as simple and ascetic. Poor man! Follow this link to learn about strong evening prayers that will help calm the heart. Thank you for staying with us!