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Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of toymakers and merchants, has been digitally reconstructed by scientists who found he looks rather similar to the festive figurehead, Santa Claus
Image: Getty Images)
Scientists who uncovered the tomb of St. Nicholas have digitally reconstructed his face – and everyone is saying the same thing.
Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of sailors, merchants and toymakers, among other roles, died around 343AD, and only recently did archaeologists uncover his tomb. It is believed the tomb of the “real Santa Claus” has been found in Turkey. It lines up with what we know of the Saint already, who lived in the ancient city of Myra, what is now known as Turkey.
Using the skull found in the tomb, digital scaling and analysis has revealed what the Saint may have looked like. Photos of the digital reconstruction have since gone viral, with many members of Twitter/X stunned to see what Nicholas of Myra may look like.
One user wrote: “New reconstruction of St. Nicholas of Myra. Through forensic analysis of St. Nicholas of Myra’s skull, scientists have digitally reconstructed the face of the man who inspired the legend of Santa Claus.” The reaction from members of the public to follow has since had the same point.
“Oh so he looks like Santa Claus then,” another wrote, receiving 85,000 likes in the process. Some had theories on why St. Nicholas may look like the festive icon, suggesting the image of Nicholas of Myra was already known at the time of documenting the character of Father Christmas.
They wrote: “I don’t know much about the history of Santa Claus but I know he was literally just supposed to be Saint Nicholas, so maybe when the tradition started it was at a time when people knew what he looked like and how to depict him?” Others agreed with this opinion but wondered how the interpretation was passed from generation to generation.
Another added: “If the reconstruction is accurate, I’m impressed with how well preserved the mental image of Santa’s face was carried through generations.” A third added: “One would imagine that’s why Santa looks the way he does.” Others suggested they were not as surprised by the reconstruction as others, admitting it was “what I’d expect.”
They claimed: “Just about what I’d expect. Distinctly Santa-like but obviously a little different to account for shifts in design over all this time.” Another unimpressed member of the public added: “So basically just Santa Claus then.” A third joked: “No offence to scientists of course but I coulda told you what Santa looks like.”
Some did not find a likeness with just Santa Claus. One suggested it looked like Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins, while another user joked St. Nicholas “looks like David Jason” of Only Fools and Horses fame.
