Plot Synopsis

Dr. Michael C. Scott, Assistant Professor in Classics and Ancient History at University of Warwick, explores the epic events that formed the backbone of Christianity. From the crucifixion, a rival Messiah and a series of Roman persecutions (including accusations of cannibalism for "eating the body of Christ"), Jesus' followers overcame remarkable odds. Dr. Scott explains how the Christian message spread and grew through Roman expertise and technology; how it became more visible and therefore more vulnerable to attack by the Roman authorities; and how it organized itself and broke away from its Jewish roots. The three episodes in this program are: "Messiahs," which documents how Christianity survived insurmountable odds -- including Roman persecution and a second, self-proclaimed messiah, Simon the Son of a Star -- to become a worldwide political and religious force; "Martyrs," which chronicles how legendary acts of defiance helped unite believers across the vast Roman Empire, including the story of Perpetua, the beautiful martyr who helped her executioner put the sword to her own throat; and "Christians," which highlights how Christians died during Diocletian's Great Persecution, were officially recognized by Emperor Constantine, almost disempowered by Emperor Julian, and finally proclaimed part of the one and only legal religion by Emperor Theodosius. On Holy Thursday 2013 (March 28), Nat Geo aired all three episodes consecutively, from 8-11pm ET. Three days later in the UK, Sky Vision presented the entire three-episode program on Easter Sunday 2013.