Watch Jesus: The Missing History

Jesus is one of the most widely known figures in history, but despite the countless depictions of him in popular culture, there are still many gaps in our knowledge of his life. This is where Jesus: The Missing History comes in. This fascinating documentary series, produced by Discovery en Español, takes an in-depth look at the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth, exploring the historical context in which he lived, the political and social climate of ancient Palestine, and the people and events that shaped his world.

Through a combination of expert interviews, stunning visual reconstructions, and cutting-edge historical research, Jesus: The Missing History aims to shed new light on the life of this enigmatic and influential historical figure, piecing together the missing parts of his story and challenging some of the assumptions that have built up around him over the centuries.

Over the course of six episodes, the series covers a wide range of topics related to Jesus and his world. In the first episode, "The World of Jesus," we are introduced to the cultural and political context of first century AD Palestine, exploring the complex mix of religions, ethnic groups, and power dynamics that made it such a volatile and contested region. We learn about the Roman occupation and the role of the Jewish elites in maintaining their power, as well as the various sects and movements that competed for influence among the Jewish population.

In subsequent episodes, the series delves deeper into the life of Jesus himself, exploring his upbringing, his teachings and parables, his ministry, and his final days. Along the way, we meet some of the key figures in his life, including his disciples, his opponents, and some of the women who played important roles in supporting him.

One of the most interesting aspects of the series is the way it uses historical and archaeological evidence to reconstruct the world of Jesus and the people around him. For example, in one episode we see an expert in ancient textiles use traditional techniques to create replica garments of the kind that Jesus and his followers might have worn. In another, we visit an archaeological site that may have been the location of the village where Jesus grew up, and hear from experts who have studied the remains of the houses and buildings there.

Throughout the series, the emphasis is on contextualizing Jesus within his historical and social milieu, rather than presenting him as a lone figure who appeared out of nowhere with a completely novel message. We see how his teachings and actions were influenced by the ideas and movements that were already present in Judea at the time, and how his message resonated with the hopes and fears of the people around him.

At the same time, the series also challenges some of the myths and misconceptions that have grown up around Jesus over the centuries. For example, we learn that the idea of Jesus as a meek and mild figure who never caused any trouble is a simplification of the complex reality of his life and mission, and that his teachings were often radical and challenging to his contemporaries.

Overall, Jesus: The Missing History is a fascinating and illuminating exploration of one of history's most enduring and influential figures. Whether you are a believer, a historian, or simply curious about the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth, this series is sure to provide a wealth of new insights and perspectives on this endlessly fascinating subject.