Power,riches,control the masses,the Catholic Church is still the same.Christianity is still the same.The lies and the manipulation did not just "start" here.Control of the uneducated.These Empire programs are wonderful,some complain one sided etc.so what ! There is plenty to learn here from the human aspect ,that MAN was and is in and runs the religious structure.One hand on the cash,the other pointing to heaven."He said so." Amazing this animal 'man', capabilities of a Michaelangelo and a Hitler ,truly the body of a lion,and the head of a man.For all of the wonder,still there are bullets.I really enjoy seeing the underhandedness, lies, manipulation,murder,under the "HOLY" vestments of the church and or religions.

Excellent authenticity, fine expert speakers, beautiful photography. One tiny little detail bothered me though - the actors were often a little too clean shaven - they should show a slight stubble, as shaving techniques of the time would not have been able to create such a smooth shave! Oh never mind - who cares? The rest is so well done!!! How glorious to see so many of my favorite art works and buildings! And it was fascinating to watch the Duomo "grow". Ah, Firenze, Donatello, Lippi...! Grazie PBS, grazie Hulu for making this superb series available. Buona fortuna!