Silver Spring, MD — Exploring the fascinating and often surprising history of the Bible, Testament debuts on DVD from Athena (Playing Shakespeare) on May 25, 2010. Presented with wit and charm by famed Egyptologist and archaeologist John Romer (Ancient Lives), this provocative series uncovers the motives and methods of those who have told the sacred story, attacked it, and transformed it throughout history. Filmed on location at archaeological sites in Jericho, Jerusalem, Egypt, Ireland, and other locales, Testament was broadcast on the Discovery Channel in 1988 (DVD 3-vol., 7 episodes, www.AthenaLearning.com).

No single work has shaped Western civilization more than the Bible. In this stimulating seven-part series, writer and archaeologist Romer traces the roots of the world’s most important book in light of archaeological evidence. Who wrote the Bible? Where did the story of creation come from? What can archaeology tell us about Abraham, the Exodus, and Jesus of Nazareth?

Join Romer as he visits dig sites at Jericho, Jerusalem, and elsewhere to uncover the motives and methods of the people who told the sacred story, attacked it, defended it, and transformed it throughout history. For believers and nonbelievers alike, this fascinating journey reveals the Bible not only as a record of historical events, but also as a profound profession of faith that still holds our hearts and minds.

One of the world’s foremost archaeologists, John Romer led the Brooklyn Museum’s expedition to excavate the tomb of Ramesses XI. Since 1979, he has served as president of the Theban Foundation, an organization for the preservation of Egyptian royal tombs. Romer also hosted Ancient Lives, which revealed the mysteries of daily life in Ancient Egypt and debuted on DVD in November 2009 from Athena.

BONUS FEATURES

• 20-page viewer’s guide includes what to listen for, questions to consider, avenues for further learning, glossary, English verse by era, and more.
• Bearers of the World: biographies of major figures in the development of the Bible

Street: May 25, 2010
SRP: $59.99
DVD 3-Vol. Boxed Set: 7 episodes – Approx. 363 minutes - SDH subtitles

Athena is Acorn Media Group’s new home video brand for consumers interested in lifelong learning through documentary programming. Each Athena release provides an authoritative and entertaining learning experience through high quality, informative, non-fiction programming, along with a host of extras to extend the learning experience beyond the screen. Athena releases include Six Centuries of Verse, Hitler’s Bodyguard, Playing Shakespeare, The Shape of the World, The Adventure of English, The Genius of Charles Darwin, The Story of Math, among others. Special web content and clips are available at www.athenalearning.com. Athena’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.