Over the last two millennia, Jesus of Nazareth - an itinerant Jewish preacher who was publicly executed - impacted history more than any other human being. Once a persecuted minority, his followers conquered nations, created artistic and architectural masterpieces, and committed atrocities. In this 13-part documentary, Bamber Gascoigne examines Christianity not as a religion, but as a potential historical force that continues to shape our world. Filmed on location in more than 30 countries around the globe, The Christians shows how one faith has influenced a vast array of cultures and, in turn, how it has adapted to diversity. It takes a penetrating look at emperors and evangelists, monks and madmen, artists and inquisitors as it reveals the conflicts, reconciliations, and controversies of one of the world's most pervasive religions.