The Story Keepers

Introducing Ben and the children and their new friend Cyrus, a street juggler they meet in the street, this episode sees Cyrus and some of the Christian friends of Ben arrested, thrown into prison beneath the Circus Maximus to face the huge gladiator Giganticus only to be rescued in the nick of time by Ben and his young charges. The stories of the feeding of the 5,000, Zacchaeus, and the raising o

Zakkai, the courageous impetuous young Zealot, offers to take a written story across the city via the aqueducts to a group of underground Christians. He is captured by Nero’s men and brought before the Emperor. Ben and his friends rescue Zak just in time. Stories: Baptism of Jesus, stilling of the storm, and the cure of the madman in the hills.

An aging storyteller tells the story of the Good Samaritan. Later, the children find Tacticus, a Roman soldier, trapped. Inspired by the story, they save him despite the risk. Other stories: the Sower and the Unforgiving Servant.

Ben and his team help Christians escape a fire set by Nero’s guards. Featured stories: the Ten Lepers, Blind Bartimaeus, and Jesus and the children.

During the escape of a Christian family, the Nativity stories are told: Jesus’ birth, visit from the Magi and shepherds. Ends with a nativity birthday surprise for young Marcus.

An escaping Christian slave leads Ben and the children to a Roman slave ship. After adventures on the high seas, they rescue and release the slaves. Stories include the Pharisee and the tax collector, the paralytic, and the two men who built houses.

Two lion cubs escaping from the dockside are befriended by young Marcus. They lead Ben and Marcus to the Circus Maximus where, with help, they rescue the mother lion and Christians destined to be thrown to the beasts. Stories: the lost sheep, the deaf and dumb man, and the widow’s mite.

Ben and the children smuggle Christian women out of Nero’s prison using disguises. In gratitude, stories are shared: the centurion’s servant, the Prodigal Son, and the Epileptic Boy.

As danger increases, Ben takes more risks to help his underground network. Stories include the Transfiguration, the vineyard and tenants, and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

One of Ben’s friends betrays him unknowingly. In his absence, Helena and a senior storyteller share stories: Judas' betrayal, the washing of the disciples' feet, and the Last Supper.

Ben is captured and put on trial. The episode parallels the trials of Paul and Jesus, including Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane, Peter’s betrayal, and the first trial.

Ben is missing, and the children fear the worst. In despair, they remember the trial before Pilate, the scourging, and the crucifixion of Jesus.

Ben escapes and leads the children to safety. They hear the stories of the Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost. Ben looks back at Rome, hopeful to return once peace is restored.