In this episode of ‘Lost Worlds’, a team of field investigators delve into the terrifying day-to-day existence led by the Christians of the first century AD. They use the latest research, expert analysis and cutting edge graphic technology to explain what life was like for Jesus’ followers in the wake of his crucifixion.

These ‘First Christians’ were a cult on the verge of extinction. They numbered barely a hundred, and were relentlessly persecuted by the authorities.

Using the latest research and computer animations, we recount the story of St. Paul, the man credited with spreading this once marginalised religion to thousands of followers around the Mediterranean and across the Roman Empire. The former tentmaker, who was at one time a fanatical persecutor of Jesus' followers, famously underwent a miraculous experience on the road to Damascus. From that moment on, ‘Paul of Tarsus’ completed his conversion to faith in Jesus as the Christ and Son of God, and decided to and give his life to spreading the gospel.

We revisit the locations where Paul first preached his message, revealing how these places were transformed by Christian teachings. We journey to St. Paul’s birthplace, the port of Tarsus in Cilicia. The town’s mixture of Roman and Jewish culture exacted a strong influence during the future saint’s formative years. Although he received a Jewish education, ‘Saul’, as he was known before his conversion, was also a Roman citizen. He used this privilege on a number of occasions in his defence, appealing convictions in Judea to Rome. From Tarsus, we follow the astoundingly sophisticated systems of trade and transport which helped Paul travel 20,000 miles in his lifetime.

We then enter the highly sophisticated city of Ephesus, an important centre of early Christianity which Paul used as a base. Not only did Paul compose 1 Corinthians from the city, he also wrote extensively to its Christian community. It was here, at the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, that Paul confronted the artisans – a powerful cult whose livelihood depended on the Temple of Artimis. We rebuild the pagan temple which was effectively destroyed by Paul’s teachings.

Finally, our voyage takes us to Cappadocia, in the Turkish desert, where we explain how the new religion reached a mysterious community of cave-dwellers. We also reveal some of the earliest Christian churches. Carved out of volcanic ash, they have survived for centuries. A vast subterranean religious city, which could accommodate 30,000 people, was constructed by constantly persecuted Christian communities.