This is how Santa Claus looked 1,700 years ago

Scientists have revealed the face of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the figure who the modern-day Santa Claus is based on, using advanced forensic techniques.

The groundbreaking reconstruction comes 1,700 years after the saint's death and was possible by analysing data from his skull, providing a glimpse of the man behind the legend.

Who was Saint Nicholas?

Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop known for his generosity and gift-giving. He lived during the early centuries of Christianity. His acts was the foundation of the Dutch figure Sinterklaas, which later merged with the English Father Christmas to create the Santa Claus we know today.


Despite the saint's popularity, there was no accurate depiction of his until now.

What the researchers say about Santa's face

Cicero Moraes, the lead researcher on the project, said that the reconstruction process involved creating a 3D model of the skull based on data collected by Luigi Martino in 1950.

The research team traced facial profiles using statistical projections and anatomical deformation techniques to ensure that the final representation was both anatomically and statistically correct.

Moraes noted that the resulting image portrayed a "strong and gentle face," which aligns closely with descriptions found in the famous 1823 poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas," commonly known as "Twas The Night Before Christmas."

The reconstructed face reveals a broad structure and a thick beard, characteristics reminiscent of contemporary depictions of Santa Claus.

Co-author Jos Luis Lira talked about the significance of Saint Nicholas's legacy, stating that he stood up for his beliefs even against powerful authorities, including the Roman Emperor.

This scientific breakthrough not only highlights the saint but also provides an understanding how folklore evolves over centuries, transforming a real person into an iconic symbol celebrated worldwide.