Testament

Watch Testament

  • 1988
  • 1 Season
  • 8.0  (33)

Testament is a compelling historical drama series originating from the United Kingdom. Released by Acorn Media in 1988, the deeply engaging series takes its audience back to a time of ancient civilizations, exploring intricate relationships, powerful rulers, and major historical events that have shaped the course of human history.

The mini-series, which consists of five parts, is an aesthetically presented historical excavation that has been adapted from John Romer's best-selling book, "Testament.” It brings to life the fascinating, immersive and multi-layered world of the bible and its significant episodes with a clear-cut and realistic interpretation that leaves the viewer entranced while subtly educating them.

The series opens a window into the past, shedding light on the civilizations that emerged around the Mediterranean Sea from approximately 2000 BC to roughly 50 AD. The central focus here includes the Egyptians, Greeks, Hebrews, and Romans, whose collective histories intertwine with the narrative of the bible. Testament is not merely a repository of historical facts, but it brings these to life, luring viewers into an immersive, past world full of intrigue, drama, power struggles, love, and conflict.

The series skillfully uses historically accurate details and an understanding of political, social, and cultural contexts to create vivid and believable portraits of the key figures and events of that era. These include rulers like Herod the Great and Caesar Augustus, as well as everyday people whose lives were directly impacted by the monumental events and challenges of their time.

The charismatic narrator, archeologist, and historian John Romer not only lends his voice but also appears on-screen, guiding viewers on a journey across time and geography. From the ruins of ancient cities to the timeless landscapes that have witnessed history unfold, viewers are transported to the core of the material and physical worlds that the biblical stories emerged from. His insights and the depth of his knowledge act as an anchor, seamlessly connecting the complex narratives and historical evidence.

Testament successfully balances the historical, archaeological, and cultural analysis with a compelling storytelling approach. It combines beautiful shooting locations, expertly crafted re-enactments, insightful commentary, and quality research to form an engaging narrative. Even those who are not history buffs can appreciate the care given to the storyline, the attention to detail, the spectacular camera work, and the immersive atmosphere that Testament provides.

Another strong suit of Testament is its ability to make ancient civilizations accessible and relatable to contemporary audiences. It allows viewers to connect with people from a different era, understand their beliefs, their struggles, their joys, realizing in the process that despite the passage of millenia, the human experience remains surprisingly consistent.

Combined with sprawling landscapes, authentic reenactments, and the gripping narration, the series' vigorous soundtrack adds to the emotional resonance, stirring the senses, and provoking thought about the unfolding human saga.

To summarize, Testament, crafted meticulously by Acorn Media's firm hand, is a richly textured historical drama that translates the essence of the bible and its civilizations into an authentic, engaging, and emotionally resonant experience. It reflects upon the significance of these stories and original testimonies and their ongoing relevance in our contemporary world - all the while maintaining the watchability of great television content.

Regardless of religious or historical beliefs, viewers can find something valuable in Testament: a vivid appreciation for the humanity that links us all, a stirring exploration of our collective past, and a thought-provoking reflection on its resonance in today’s world. With the combination of a masterful narrative, striking visuals, and deeply embedded historical contexts, Testament stands out as a series that offers both education and entertainment. Much more than a simple digest of historical events, it is a considered reflection on our collective human journey.

Testament
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Seasons
Paradise Lost
7. Paradise Lost
December 18, 1988
A variety of forces--from Renaissance ideas, to the spirit of nationalism, to Hollywood reinterpretation--have eroded the Bible's influence, despite the valiant efforts of a few passionate advocates to protect its relevance.
Power and Glory
6. Power and Glory
November 20, 1988
After barbarian invaders sacked Rome, monks in far-flung outposts such as Scotland and Ireland kept Christianity alive, eventually reconverting the continent and setting the stage for Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire.
Thine is the Kingdom
5. Thine is the Kingdom
May 13, 1988
When the Emperor Constantine elevated Christianity to the official religion of the Roman Empire, the once-persecuted sect took on the trappings of imperial power--nowhere more evidently than at the magnificent Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul).
Gospel Truth?
4. Gospel Truth?
November 27, 1988
Exploring excavations at Capernaum, Romer searches for the historical Jesus of Nazareth and his followers. And at Antioch, crossroads of the ancient world, he delves into the rich, diverse traditions that shaped early Christianity.
Mightier Than the Sword
3. Mightier Than the Sword
November 20, 1988
Two events profoundly influenced the writing of the Hebrew Scriptures: the Babylonian exile, which made the Jews an international people, and Alexander the Great's conquest of the ancient world, which infused all Middle Eastern cultures with Greek ideas.
Chronicles and Kings
2. Chronicles and Kings
November 13, 1988
Archaeological digs at Jericho and elsewhere unearth clues about the rise of Israel as a kingdom, its rivalry with the much-maligned Philistines, and its eventual disintegration and conquest by invaders from the north and west.
Once Upon a Time
1. Once Upon a Time
November 6, 1988
At excavations in Mesopotamia and Egypt, Romer explores the cultural and religious milieu that shaped some of the Pentateuch's most powerful stories: creation, God's call to Abraham, and the Israelites' exodus.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    November 6, 1988
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (33)