Watch Ancient Roads from Christ to Constantine

Ancient Roads from Christ to Constantine is a PBS documentary series that explores the history of Christianity from its origin to the rise of Constantine, the first Christian emperor of the Roman Empire. The series is presented by Jonathan Phillips, a historian and professor of Crusading History at Royal Holloway, University of London.

The series comprises four episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of the early Christian history. The first episode, titled "The First Christians," traces the origins of Christianity, starting from the life of Jesus Christ and his teachings, and how his disciples spread the message of Christianity across the Roman Empire. The episode also explores the early Christian communities and their beliefs and practices, such as the Eucharist and baptism.

In the second episode, "Born of Fire," the show examines the conflicts and controversies that arose within the Christian community, including the debates on the nature of Christ and the role of women in the church. The episode also charts the rise of Christian persecution and how it transformed Christianity into a persecuted faith.

The third episode, "The Great Divide," explores the schisms within the Roman Empire and the emergence of different Christian denominations, including the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. The episode also focuses on the pivotal role of the Byzantine Empire in preserving and spreading Christianity in the East.

The fourth and final episode, "The Road to Conquest," follows the rise of Constantine and his conversion to Christianity, which marked a significant turning point in the history of Christianity. The episode explores how Constantine's reign transformed Christianity from a persecuted faith to a state-sponsored religion and how it changed the course of European history.

Throughout the series, Phillips travels to various locations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, tracing the ancient roads that Christianity traveled through and the places where significant events took place. He visits historic sites such as the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey, and the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome.

Phillips also interviews scholars and experts in the field of early Christian history, including theologians, archaeologists, and historians. They provide insights into the historical context of the events that shaped the history of Christianity, as well as the social, cultural, and political factors that influenced its development.

One of the highlights of the show is its visual aesthetics, which includes stunning cinematography, re-enactments, and computer-generated animations. The show’s creative use of technology and visuals helps to enhance the viewers' understanding of complex concepts, such as the architecture of ancient churches and the liturgical practices of early Christians.

Overall, Ancient Roads from Christ to Constantine is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of early Christian history. It offers a fresh perspective on the events that shaped Christianity, providing a broader context of the political, social, and cultural factors that influenced its development. The show's accessible narrative style, combined with its impressive visual and technical elements, makes it an excellent resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history of Christianity.

Ancient Roads from Christ to Constantine is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between March 22, 2015 and on PBS