The First Century

Episode Sixteen: The Death of Jesus of Nazareth

After Jesus entered Jerusalem to cries of "Hosannah to the Son of David" the political and religious authorities work together to eliminate this potential threat. 
Show Notes
Jesus replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.’” (Luke 13:31-32 NABRE)
"If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and you hang him on a tree, his corpse shall not remain on the tree overnight. You must bury it the same day; anyone who is hanged is a curse of God. (Deut 21:22-23; NABRE) 
The Roman soldiers and temple police confronted Jesus at night so as not to cause a public scene and therefore risk a riot (cf. John 18:3).
Jesus not only responded affirmatively but he also said to Caiaphas that: ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.’” (Mark 14:62; NABRE)
If the crowds thought this was the true ‘King of the Jews’, Pilate would display him as such and put a sign to that effect over the cross (cf. John 19:19). 
“Whenever we crucify criminals…[we place them] where the greatest number of people can watch and be influenced by this threat; for every penalty is aimed not so much at the offense, as at its exemplary value.” -- Quintilian (A Roman Orator), Declamationes maiores 274.13.
Yochanan [the beloved disciple] witnessed the crucifixion as did several other of Jesus’ followers, friends, his mother (cf. John 19:25-26), and more from a distance (cf. Luke 23:49).

Episode Fifteen: The Death of John the Baptist; The intrigue between Agrippa and Antipas

When Antipas has John executed, Jesus goes into hiding. A debt-ridden Agrippa is encouraged by his wife to seek help from his half-brother, the same Antipas. 
SHOW NOTES
Gemellus (b. 10 Oct 19) was the son of Drusus and Livilla

Episode Fourteen: The Downfall of Sejanus

Sejanus' 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. 

Episode 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. 

Episode Twelve: John the Baptist, mentor to Jesus of Nazareth

John 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.  

Episode Eleven: Herod Antipas makes a bold move and incurs the judgment of his father-in-law and a local prophet

Herod 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. 

Episode Ten: Pontius Pilate arrives in Judea as Prefect; Imperial Marriages

The 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. 

Episode Nine: Death of Tiberius' son Drusus means new co-heirs; Herod Antipas' building projects and Pilate sent to Judea

When 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. 

Episode Eight: Germanicus' Triumph and Death; Imperial justice, clemency, and the vestal virgins

Germanicus 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. 

Episode 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.