‎Divine Women - Apple TV

TV Show · Documentary · History

Award winning historian Bettany Hughes explores the complex attitudes towards women and religion, from 10,000 BC to the present day, in this enthralling history documentary. The status of females and faith continues to be a contentious subject. But it wasn't always this way. In the past, women were often powerful players in the act of worship, from the very birth of organized religion.

2012 · 52m

Starring Bettany Hughes

EPISODE 1

When God Was a Girl

When were women first involved in organized religion? In this fascinating history documentary, acclaimed historian Bettany Hughes goes back to the beginning of time and finds startling evidence that shows women being there from the very beginning. She visits a world where goddesses ruled the heavens and the earth and reveals why our ancestors thought of the divine as female.

52m
EPISODE 2

Handmaids of the Gods

Once priestesses played a vital role in organized religion. But why did their influence diminish? In this fascinating history documentary, Bettany Hughes delves into the hidden story of women's place in faith. She uncovers the ancient Greek worship of the goddess of sex, Aphrodite, and heads to ancient Rome, where the fate of the civilization lay in the hands of six sacred virgins.

48m
EPISODE 3

The War of the World

How did the period known as the Dark Ages turn into a golden age for a few remarkable religious women? In this illuminating history documentary, acclaimed historian Bettany Hughes uncovers Theodora, a prostitute turned powerful empress. Then she looks at the wives of the prophet Muhammad including Khadija, whose words are still read by over two billion men and women today.

48m

Divine Women

2m

Bettany Hughes

Host