Shows
The First CenturyEpisode Fourteen: The Downfall of SejanusSejanus' past actions finally catch up with him and he is denounced and executed the same day on orders from Tiberius. A period of retribution ensnares family members and others.
2025-12-2011 minThe First CenturyEpisode Thirteen: Galilean Pilgrims in Jerusalem; Death of Livia; The Persecution of Agrippina and her two oldest sons.In Jerusalem some Galilean pilgrims run into trouble when making a sacrifice. Livia, the Augusta, passes away at the age of 84, attributing her long life to the regular consumption of a particular wine. And with her passing, Sejanus has an opening to eliminate Agrippina and her two oldest sons.
2025-12-1309 minThe First CenturyEpisode Twelve: John the Baptist, mentor to Jesus of NazarethJohn the Baptist finds a worthy apprentice in the person of Jesus, from the small village of Nazareth in Galilee. Together they baptize many people before John is arrested by Herod Antipas, driving Jesus into hiding. The imprisoned John has a question for Jesus who replies with a mix of scripture and a beatitude for John himself.
2025-12-0609 minThe First CenturyEpisode Eleven: Herod Antipas makes a bold move and incurs the judgment of his father-in-law and a local prophetHerod Antipas, attracted to his niece Herodias, the wife of his half-brother, decides to divorce his own wife, Phaesalis, the daughter of Aretas, King of the Nabateans. He will then marry Herodias himself. Antipas secures support from Rome for his plan, but it invokes the wrath of Aretas and a wilderness prophet named John.
2025-11-2907 minThe First CenturyEpisode Ten: Pontius Pilate arrives in Judea as Prefect; Imperial MarriagesThe equestrian Pontius Pilate takes up duties as Prefect of Judea without a legate of Syria in the region, only to be confronted with potential problems. Members of the imperial family find partners in marriage.
2025-11-2213 minThe First CenturyEpisode Nine: Death of Tiberius' son Drusus means new co-heirs; Herod Antipas' building projects and Pilate sent to JudeaWhen Tiberius's son Drusus dies the princeps names as co-heirs the oldest sons of Agrippina. Herod Antipas engages in building projects and secures an alliance with the Nabateans. Tiberius quarrels with Agrippina and his mother Livia before departing for Capri.
2025-11-1514 minThe First CenturyEpisode Eight: Germanicus' Triumph and Death; Imperial justice, clemency, and the vestal virginsGermanicus and his family celebrate a triumph in Rome after avenging the loss of the Teutoburg forest. He is rewarded with an appointment in the East only to fall ill and die under mysterious circumstances. In the capital, Tiberius demonstrates imperial justice and clemency, influenced by a vestal virgin.
2025-11-0814 minThe First CenturyEpisode Seven: Battle of the Teutoburg Forest (9 CE) and the Death of Augustus (14 CE)The first decade of the first century saw a terrible defeat for the Roman army. Three legions were destroyed in Germania. General Varus and his men, who were leading the expedition, committed suicide after witnessing their devastating loss. Five years later, Augustus passed away at the age of 75.
2025-11-0114 minThe First CenturyEpisode Six: The Death of Lucius and Gaius, Octavian's grandsons, and revolts in JudeaAfter Augustus' two most prominent and promising grandsons died within a span of less than two years, another succession quandary is created. And Judea sees revolts against Roman rule.
2025-10-2514 minThe First CenturyEpisode Five: The Death of Herod the GreatWhen Herod the Great died, his will needed to be ratified by Augustus, which led to political intrigue.
2025-10-1814 minThe First CenturyEpisode Four: The Death of Marcus AgrippaAugustus' key ally died, creating an opening for new heir.
2025-10-1112 minThe First CenturyEpisode Three: Octavian Declared AugustusAfter the civil wars, Octavian was declared Augustus by the Roman Senate, and a period of stability followed. Herod the Great rules in Judea.
2025-09-2813 minThe First CenturyEpisode Two: The Assassination of Julius Caesar, Antipater and the AftermathJulius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE followed by Antipater the following year. Each would have a profound impact on first century.
2025-09-2811 minThe First CenturyEpisode One: A Scorching Summer in SamariaPilate puts down a religious movement at Mount Gerizim before we step back and see how Rome came to rule this region.
2025-09-2811 min