The History Channel

As the Shroud of Turin is put on public display for the first time in 10 years, new data reveals more than just a flat image embedded in the ancient cloth, but an astonishing, three-dimensional, sculpture-like figure. Using the principles of physics, cutting-edge digital technology, and the revolutionary CGI process pioneered in Stealing Lincoln's Body, HISTORY brings that image to life, unveiling the most accurate representation ever seen of what many believe to be Jesus Christ.

What's the real story behind history's most famous written document? Our 2-hour special examines the three different--and sometimes contradictory--biblical accounts of Moses on the Mount, and then looks at each of the 10 Commandments in historical context. Adultery, perjury, murder, theft, graven images, Sabbath laws, coveting--what did they mean then? And do they mean anything today? Also examined are the other 603 commandments prescribed by Moses that took a backseat to the more famous first 10. What was in these commandments and why have they been largely forgotten? Legal, religious and historical scholars, including legal author Alan Dershowitz and Old Testament expert Daniel Smith-Christopher, reveal how the issues raised by the 10 Commandments have been viewed--and punished--throughout history. From ancient times to modern times, see how the definitions, the laws, and morality have changed within the parameters of history's most formidable "Top 10" list.

He lived in ancient Israel, he was called the "Good Shepherd", he was killed by the Romans and he rose in three days. But he's not Jesus! Cutting-edge archaeology reveals that the apocalyptic template for a dying and rising Messiah may have originated with a man called Simon of Perea. Did the idea of resurrection begin with Jesus? Did it originate with Simon? Was Jesus a follower, not an innovator? Shockingly, an ancient stone tablet that has emerged from the Jordanian antiquities market seems to suggest that there was a dying and rising Messiah before Jesus.

It is commonly assumed that the Apostles Peter and Paul spread Christianity across the planet, turning a tiny religious sect into the world's largest religion. But is this true? More to the point, is this possible? Can two people--operating in the ancient world--really have had such global influence? Long ignored archaeological evidence, found beneath the ashes of Pompeii and Herculaneum, seems to suggest that what put the fear of God into pagan Romans--and prompted them to adopt the new Christian religion--was not Jesus, Peter or Paul. It seems that the greatest apostle of them all, at least the event most responsible for Christianity's conquest of the Roman Empire, was the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Newly reconsidered archaeological evidence suggests that the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum may have been the best thing that could have happened for the spread of Christianity.

Throughout history, crucifixion has been one of the cruelest and most excruciating ways to die. Approximately 500 years before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Persian King Darius crucified political opponents and both Alexander the Great and Caligula used crucifixion as a means of punishment and entertainment. Watch as a team of forensic experts reconstruct a 2000-year-old body using the only physical evidence of a crucifixion ever discovered. Modern day footage will show real crucifixions that take place in the Philippines. Recreations will be used along with extensive CGI animation and CSI forensic-style graphics to illustrate the different types of crucifixion techniques throughout history and how it eventually kills its victim.

Take another look at ancient texts that were edited out of the Bible. Are they the missing links to Christ's true teachings, or heretical attempts to rewrite history? Explore the kabalistic stories of angels and demons disavowed by orthodox leaders, and the apocalyptic visions and the sexual imagery that were barred from the Old Testament. Why was Peter's account of a "Lord of The Rings"-style battle of wits and magic repressed by Rome? With discoveries being made all across the world--in caves, ruined temples, ancient libraries and monasteries--these tantalizing fragments continue to be found and debated. Are they heresy or hidden truth?

For the first time on American television, we uncover the surprising connections between the United States and the Vatican, from America in its infancy to the Cold War and beyond. This is also the first time that American audiences get an intimate and revealing look on how Pope Benedict XVI lives, works and functions in his papal role. With specially granted permission, viewers experience a world rarely seen as we reveal Secret Access: The Vatican.

A bird roasted to perfection, a steaming plates of succulent sides, a kaleidoscope of colorful holiday sweets...nothing quite announces the holiday season like food. Join us as we take a festive look at America's most delicious holiday foods. Among American's favorite trimmings are bread stuffing, candied yams and cranberry sauce--first introduced in 1864 when General Ulysses S. Grant ordered it served to the troops during the siege of Petersburg. We'll also take a look back at America's obsession with the sweeter side of the holidays, from gingerbread to candy canes. Learn why the dreaded fruitcake--an invention dating back to Roman times--was once against the law! New trends in holiday feasting are always a hit, from a deep fried turkey born out of the Bayou of Louisiana, to the ever-humorous, and delicious, Turducken: a chicken stuffed inside a duck inside a turkey.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Informational programming.

Tens of thousands travel yearly to Jerusalem to visit where Jesus walked, preached, suffered, was crucified, and buried. But since his death, the city has been destroyed and rebuilt more than 20 times. Our experts follow the evidence to reveal the city that Jesus would have visited. They rebuild Herod's Temple Mount--in its time the largest man-made structure. They explain the manipulation of light and stone that created the Holy Sanctuary--said to "sparkle like a snow-capped mountain in the sun." They explore the network of aqueducts, pipes, tunnels, and pools that kept this desert city from thirst and enabled it to handle an influx of pilgrims that routinely swelled its population from 30,000 to 300,000. They seek the places where Jesus performed miracles. And they map his final hours: including the real route of the "Via Dolorosa"--the path that led to his place of execution. With new research and CGI, we'll glimpse a world hidden for more than 20 centuries.

He lived in ancient Israel, he was called the "Good Shepherd", he was killed by the Romans and he rose in three days. But he's not Jesus! Cutting-edge archaeology reveals that the apocalyptic template for a dying and rising Messiah may have originated with a man called Simon of Perea. Did the idea of resurrection begin with Jesus? Did it originate with Simon? Was Jesus a follower, not an innovator? Shockingly, an ancient stone tablet that has emerged from the Jordanian antiquities market seems to suggest that there was a dying and rising Messiah before Jesus.

It is commonly assumed that the Apostles Peter and Paul spread Christianity across the planet, turning a tiny religious sect into the world's largest religion. But is this true? More to the point, is this possible? Can two people--operating in the ancient world--really have had such global influence? Long ignored archaeological evidence, found beneath the ashes of Pompeii and Herculaneum, seems to suggest that what put the fear of God into pagan Romans--and prompted them to adopt the new Christian religion--was not Jesus, Peter or Paul. It seems that the greatest apostle of them all, at least the event most responsible for Christianity's conquest of the Roman Empire, was the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Newly reconsidered archaeological evidence suggests that the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum may have been the best thing that could have happened for the spread of Christianity.