Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth

A Jewish preacher is executed by Rome — an event whose interpretation will reshape the entire world.

The historical Jesus was likely crucified during the governorship of Pontius Pilate. Within decades, his followers had spread across the Roman Empire, and within three centuries, their faith would become the Empire's official religion.

Perspective

Setting aside theology entirely, the sociological phenomenon is staggering. How does a crucified peasant from a backwater province become the center of the world's largest religion? Paul's genius for organization and the appeal of universal salvation to Roman-era populations explain a lot. Russell Gmirkin and others have also shown how deeply the textual traditions were shaped by Hellenistic literary conventions.