Background

- Judea under Roman rule

- Hope for a Messiah

Jesus of Nazareth

- Love, forgiveness and faith in God

Departure

- Jesus departed from this world

- Seen as a political threat by Roman and Jewish leaders

- It is said he rose from the dead

Spread

- Disciples, including Paul, spread teachings

- Writings later became the New Testament

Roman Empire

- 4th century: Constantine legalized Christianity

- Later: became official religion of the Roman Empire