The First Century

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. 

Episode Six: The Death of Lucius and Gaius, Octavian's grandsons, and revolts in Judea

After Augustus' two most prominent and promising grandsons died within a span of less than two years, another succession quandary is created. And Judea sees revolts against Roman rule.

Episode Five: The Death of Herod the Great

When Herod the Great died, his will needed to be ratified by Augustus, which led to political intrigue.

Episode Four: The Death of Marcus Agrippa

Augustus' key ally died, creating an opening for new heir.