Finding Jesus: Faith. Fact. Forgery
Season 2
Overview
In the second season, six new artifacts and locations which shed new light on Jesus and the key characters in his life are investigated: a First Century Jewish house that could be Jesus’ childhood home, the long lost sarcophagus of Herod the Great, the inscription on an ancient stone that proves the existence of Pontius Pilate, and holy relics believed to connect us to the lives of Saints Peter, Thomas and Lazarus.
Episodes
1. The Pilate Stone
The archaeological investigation zeroes in on crucial artifacts that connect to Pontius Pilate -- the inscription on the Stone that proves his existence, as well as the recent discovery of Herod the Great's Jerusalem Palace, which historians believe is where Pilate tried Jesus.
2. Raising Lazarus
Investigating the Orthodox tradition connecting Lazarus and his relics with the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. It explains one of Jesus' greatest miracles - the raising of a man four days dead and goes on to explore the consequences for both Jesus and his friend.
3. The Childhood Home of Jesus
Unpacking the archaeology of the first century house believed to be the childhood home of Jesus. It explores what is known about Jesus' early life and depicts his formative relationship with his mother Mary.
4. The Tomb of King Herod
The 'Tomb of King Herod' was a huge news story when it was unearthed by Israeli archaeologist Ehud Netzer in 2007. But does it really belong to the King?
5. The Bones of St. Peter
Explores the history of St Peter's relics, including those rediscovered under St Peter's Basilica in the 1940s. It traces the story of Peter through the Gospels, his life changing encounter with the risen Jesus, his own mission into later life and his death at the hands of the Romans.
6. Doubting Thomas
An examination of Thomas' story outside the New Testament, in particular the Christian traditions connecting him with India.