In these classes, you will learn about the origins and spread of two major world religions—Judaism and Christianity. You will also learn how Christianity changed as it spread from the western Roman Empire into the Byzantine Empire.

I. Origins of Judaism
A. The Hebrews’ early history began in Canaan and ended when the Romans forced them out of Israel.
B. Jewish beliefs in God, justice, and law anchor their society.
C. Jewish sacred texts describe the laws and principles of Judaism.
D. Traditions and holy days celebrate the history and religion of the Jewish people.
II. Origins of Christianity
A. The life and death of Jesus of Nazareth inspired a new religion called Christianity.
B. Christians believe that Jesus’s acts and teachings focused on love and salvation.
C. Jesus’s followers taught others about Jesus’s life and teachings.
D. Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire by 400.
III. The Byzantine Empire
A. Eastern emperors ruled from Constantinople and tried but failed to reunite the whole Roman Empire.
B. The people of the eastern empire created a new society that was very different from society in the west.
C. Byzantine Christianity was different from religion in the west.