Watch Holy Land Revealed

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2010
1 Season

Holy Land Revealed, produced in 2004 by The Great Courses, is a captivating journey into the heart of the Holy Land. The series is presented by archaeologist and biblical scholar Jodi Magness, who takes viewers on a tour of the places where some of the most significant events in human history occurred. Throughout the series, Magness explores the land's ancient past, its cultural diversity, its complex history, and the many religions that have made the Holy Land their home for centuries.

The series consists of 24 episodes, each ranging from around 30 to 45 minutes in length. Through stunning visuals, historical accounts, and expert analysis, the series explores some of the most important sites in the Holy Land, including Jerusalem, Galilee, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and the Dead Sea. The narrative is structured in a chronological manner, starting with the earliest historical periods and gradually working towards more recent history.

In the first few episodes, Magness takes viewers back to the time of the patriarchs, exploring the origins of Jewish identity and the beginnings of the religion. She explains how the Bible's stories and accounts have played an essential role in shaping Jewish culture and identity for thousands of years. The series also explores the emergence of Christianity, starting with the life of Jesus and the early Christian community in Jerusalem.

One of the key strengths of Holy Land Revealed is the way it delves into the region's diverse cultural history. The series goes beyond the Judeo-Christian tradition to explore the many other faiths that have called the Holy Land their home. Magness provides fascinating insights into the history and beliefs of Muslims, Druze, and other sects in the region. She also explores the region's long history of conflict and violence, including the ongoing disputes between Israel and Palestine.

Through her archaeological expertise, Magness provides an in-depth exploration of some of the most significant historical sites in the Holy Land. She takes viewers inside the excavation sites of ancient cities, including the ancient city of Sepphoris and the Roman ruins of Beit Shean. Magness also explores the crucial role that water has played in shaping the region's history, examining ancient aqueducts and wells.

Throughout the series, viewers can witness the extraordinary natural beauty of the Holy Land. Also, catch a glimpse of the life of the local people, including Bedouin and other groups. The cinematography and sound design of the series are impeccable, capturing the beauty and complexity of the Holy Land.

In conclusion, Holy Land Revealed is a well-researched, informative, and insightful documentary series for anyone interested in the history of the Holy Land. The series is an immersive experience that takes viewers on a journey through the region's rich cultural history, providing an understanding of the many religions and beliefs that have shaped this part of the world. The series is a testament to the power of knowledge and exploration in providing insight into the complexities of the human experience.

Holy Land Revealed is a series that ran for 1 seasons (36 episodes) between November 12, 2010 and on The Great Courses

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Seasons

36. What and How Archaeology Reveals

November 12, 2010

What is it like to work alongside an archaeologist in the field? In Professor Magness's final lecture, experience how archaeologists reconstruct their delicate pictures of the past: from deciding where to start digging to reassembling broken artifacts uncovered from the earth to publishing their eye-opening findings and conclusions.

35. Islam's Transformation of Jerusalem

November 12, 2010

The Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque are the two most potent examples of the spread of Islam into the Holy Land beginning in the mid-7th century C.E. Discover what archaeologists have learned about these two spectacular buildings and their importance to the Muslim faith.

34. Judaism and Synagogues under Christian Rule

November 12, 2010

As Christianity spread across the Holy Land, synagogues became increasingly larger and more elaborate in an attempt to bolster Judaism. See how this was done by peering closely at the remains of the synagogues at Capernaum, Hammath Tiberias, and Beth Alpha: as well as their (sometimes surprising) decorations.

33. Christian Emperors and Pilgrimage Sites

November 12, 2010

The legalization of Christianity under Constantine radically transformed the landscape of ancient Israel. In the first of two lectures on the Holy Land under the Byzantine Empire, tour two major churches built during this period: the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the once-lost Nea Church devoted to Mary.

32. Roman Jerusalem: Hadrian's Aelia Capitolina

November 12, 2010

The Roman emperor Hadrian rebuilt Jerusalem as the pagan city Aelia Capitolina. Witness the results of his rule, including the iconic Damascus Gate, a towering statue of Hadrian, and two public forums built at the northern and western ends of the city.

31. The Second Jewish Revolt against the Romans

November 12, 2010

Investigate archaeological finds from the last 50 years that have shed unprecedented new light on the second major Jewish uprising: the Bar-Kokhba Revolt. Central to this lecture are two mysterious caves: the Cave of Letters and the Cave of Horror: whose contents tell us much about the Jewish families who hid there.

30. Flavius Josephus and the Mass Suicide

November 12, 2010

Pore over the remains of a ramp that was instrumental in the Roman victory at Masada. Then, take a closer look at controversies over the mass suicide of the Jewish rebels and the views of the historian Josephus: whose writings are our most important source of information about this event.

29. Masada: Herod's Desert Palace and the Siege

November 12, 2010

After the end of the first Jewish revolt, three Herodian fortresses remained occupied by Jewish rebels. The most famous of these: Masada. Here, discover what archaeological evidence reveals about how an estimated 8,000 Roman soldiers encircled the mountain, built camps, and laid siege to the fortress and its 967 rebels.

28. The First Jewish Revolt: Jerusalem Destroyed

November 12, 2010

Relive the first Jewish revolt against Rome between 66 and 70 C.E. You'll follow the infighting among Jewish rebel groups, explore the sites of fierce battles between rebels and Roman soldiers, and follow the tactics of Roman generals such as Vespasian and Titus as they besiege Jerusalem.

27. The Burials of Jesus and James

November 12, 2010

Place the Gospel accounts of the death and burial of Jesus within an archaeological context. The highlight of this lecture is the discussion of two recent: and highly controversial: discoveries: the Talpiyot Tomb (the supposed tomb of Jesus and his family) and the James Ossuary (connected to Jesus's brother).

26. Monumental Tombs in the Time of Jesus

November 12, 2010

Turn now to burial customs spanning the Second Temple period, with a particular emphasis on the use of stone ossuaries to store the bones of the deceased. You'll also examine stunning examples of the more than 900 rock-cut tombs that have been discovered around Jerusalem, including the Tomb of Bene Hezir and Nicanor's Tomb.

25. Early Jewish Tombs in Jerusalem

November 12, 2010

Chart the development of ancient Jewish rock-cut tombs and burial customs. First, peer inside an Iron-Age cemetery at Ketef Hinnom and view the scant remains of the epic Mausoleum at Halicarnassos. Then, ponder the undiscovered Tomb of the Maccabees, and crawl through the burial chambers of Jason's Tomb in Jerusalem.

24. Sites of the Trial and Final Hours of Jesus

November 12, 2010

Explore the Antonia Fortress, the Church of the Sisters of Zion, three successive lines of fortification walls, the ruins of a burnt Jewish villa, and other archaeological finds in Jerusalem intricately linked with both the final days of Jesus's life and the city's destruction in 70 C.E. by the Romans.

23. Synagogues in the Time of Jesus

November 12, 2010

What do we know about the synagogues that served as the setting for the teachings of Jesus and Paul? After surveying the history of this religious institution, explore some of history's earliest synagogues at sites such as Masada, Gamla, and the most recent one uncovered in 2009 at Migdal.

22. Galilee: Setting of Jesus's Life and Ministry

November 12, 2010

Tour the remains of Galilean towns and villages that date back to the time of Jesus, including Sepphoris (with its theater) and Capernaum (with its neighborhood of private houses). Then, conclude with a look at the recent discovery of a house at Nazareth that may shed light on Jesus's boyhood.

21. From Herod's Last Years to Pontius Pilate

November 12, 2010

Visit Herod's winter palace at Jericho, where he spent his final years, and his fortified palace at Herodium, where: in 2007: archaeologists discovered his tomb. Then, explore the divided kingdom he left to his three sons, with a special focus on the rule of Herod Antipas (who would play a critical role in Jesus's story)

20. Caesarea Maritima: Harbor and Showcase City

November 12, 2010

During his reign, Herod also built Greco-Roman style cities in his non-Jewish territories. Here, Professor Magness guides you through the most famous of these: the port city of Caesarea Maritima (where Paul was imprisoned, according to Acts 23-24). Comb through the ruins of the city's harbor, hippodrome, aqueducts, and more.

19. Herod as Builder: Jerusalem's Temple Mount

November 12, 2010

In the first of several lectures on Herod's great buildings, many of which served as the backdrop to Jesus's life and ministry, walk through the reconstructed Second Temple and Temple Mount. You'll visit the remains of magnificent structures, including Solomon's Stables, Robinson's Arch, the Western Wall, and the Hulda Gates.

18. From Roman Annexation to Herod the Great

November 12, 2010

Witness the rise of Herod the Great: the ruthless king who governed Judea between 40 and 4 B.C.E. and who is most infamous for ordering the slaughter of the innocents in Bethlehem. It's an engrossing tale filled with court intrigue, jealousy, warfare, betrayal, and murder.

17. The Life of the Essenes

November 12, 2010

In this final lecture on the Qumran sect, investigate the ancient latrines and hygienic practices of the community. Your three sources for insights into this little-explored aspect of everyday life: passages from the Dead Sea Scrolls, observations by the historian Josephus, and remains unearthed from the archaeological site itself.

16. The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Essenes

November 12, 2010

Scholars believe the Qumran community, commonly identified with the Essenes, was a sect that lived in anticipation of the End of Days. What was it like to be a member of this ascetic community? What strict codes of purity did it live by? What is Jesus's relationship to this apocalyptic group?

15. The Sectarian Settlement at Qumran

November 12, 2010

Continue touring the site at Qumran, with a focus on three distinctive features of the settlement. These are animal bones found in pots; an elaborate water system that channeled flash floods into pools used for ritual bathing; and a vast cemetery containing more than 1,000 graves.

14. Discovery and Site of the Dead Sea Scrolls

November 12, 2010

Travel to Qumran, the archaeological site located adjacent to the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were uncovered in the late 1940s. As you tour the caves and the site itself (including an ancient scriptorium and dining room), you'll learn what scholars know about the mysterious community that once lived there.

13. Pharisees and Sadducees

November 12, 2010

By the mid-2nd century B.C.E., various Jewish sects had established themselves. Here, compare and contrast two of the most dominant of these sects: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. What parts of society did they represent? What were their views on religious innovation and free will? With which group did Jesus probably debate?

12. The Hasmonean Kingdom

November 12, 2010

In this investigation of the Hasmoneans, meet individuals including the cruel king Alexander Jannaeus and his accomplished queen and widow, and examine the civil war between their successors. Then, meet their neighbors to the south: the Nabataeans, a desert people best known for the tombs cut into the cliff faces of their capital city at Petra (in modern-day Jordan).

11. The Maccabean Revolt

November 12, 2010

Turn now to the impact of the Greeks on the Jewish population of Judea. Tour the tumultuous years between 167 and 103 B.C.E., which saw Antiochus IV's imposition of Greek beliefs on the population; the subsequent revolt under Judah Maccabee; the reigns of the Hasmoneans; and more.

10. The Hellenization of Palestine

November 12, 2010

Continue examining the Hellenistic influence on the Holy Land: this time on non-Jewish populations in the area. Focus on three distinct cities: Iraq el-Amir (with the remains of an impressive temple or pleasure palace); Marisa (with its fascinating series of caves); and Tel Dor (with its distinctly Hellenistic architectural style).

9. Alexander the Great and His Successors

November 12, 2010

Alexander the Great's conquests of the Near East introduced Greek culture to the Holy Land. Professor Magness uses archaeological findings: including the personal belongings of murdered Samaritans and the remains of towers at an ancient fortification: to illustrate the profound influences of Alexander and his successors.

8. Babylonian Exile and the Persian Restoration

November 12, 2010

In 539 B.C.E., after the Babylonians were subsumed by the Persian Empire, the exiled Judeans were allowed to return to Jerusalem. So what happened next? Find out with this penetrating look at the Persian administration of the Holy Land, the influence of Ezra and Nehemiah, and the birth of early Judaism.

7. Fortifications and Cult Practices

November 12, 2010

Delve into aspects of everyday life in the kingdoms of ancient Israel. Focus on how elaborately recessed gates were designed to protect cities like Gezer from enemies, and how altars, amulets, painted figures, and inscribed pottery vessels reflect the religious beliefs and practices at Kuntillet Ajrud and other sites.

6. Samaria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel

November 12, 2010

Turn now to Israel as it was ruled under the Omride dynasty between Solomon's death and the Assyrian invasion in 722 B.C.E. Here, explore important ruins, including the High Place at Dan (where the cult statue of a golden calf once resided) and the acropolis at Samaria (which holds the remains of King Ahab's palace).

5. Biblical Jerusalem's Ancient Water Systems

November 12, 2010

Continue your archaeological exploration of the City of David by focusing on its ancient water system, centered on the Gihon Spring. Learn about the three different water systems that were created: Warren's Shaft, Siloam Channel, and the impressive engineering feat of Hezekiah's Tunnel: due to the spring's location outside the city walls.

4. The Jerusalem of David and Solomon

November 12, 2010

In this first lecture on the remains of the biblical City of David, comb through the fascinating remains of a scribe's house located behind a city wall; grasp the development of biblical Hebrew script; and examine rare examples of this script in a clay sealing, a piece of pottery, and a victory stele.

3. Jerusalem: An Introduction to the City

November 12, 2010

Here, survey the topography and layout of Jerusalem: perhaps the most important city in religious history. Then, review biblical accounts of Jerusalem from the arrival of David around 1000 B.C.E. to the start of the Babylonian exile in 586 B.C.E. (including the remains of a dramatic Assyrian siege on the city of Lachish).

2. The Arrival of the Israelites

November 10, 2010

Explore what archaeologists have uncovered about the arrival of the Israelites into Canaan. Among the many intriguing artifacts you examine are an ancient Egyptian stele featuring the earliest reference to Israel, the remains of Jericho's walls, and a Philistine temple similar to the one Samson destroyed in the book of Judges.

1. The Land of Canaan

November 12, 2010

What do we mean by "holy land"? What is the difference between archaeology and history? How reliable is the Hebrew Bible as a window into life in ancient Israel? Discover answers to these and other questions in this introductory lecture, and take a peek at the region's earliest recorded inhabitants, the Canaanites.

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Where to Watch Holy Land Revealed

Holy Land Revealed is available for streaming on the The Great Courses website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Holy Land Revealed on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon and Hoopla.