Jews, Christians, and Romans

Jewish Diaspora

Spread of Jewish communities outside Judea

Herod

Jewish king under Roman rule who built the Second Temple

Second Temple

Central place of worship for Jews in Jerusalem

Sadducees

Jewish sect focused on Temple rituals

Zealots

Jewish rebels who opposed Roman rule

The Jewish War

Revolt by Jews against Roman occupation

Josephus

Jewish historian who documented the Jewish War

Masada

Fortress where Jewish rebels made a last stand against Rome

The Arch of Titus

Monument celebrating Rome’s victory in the Jewish War

Early Christianity

Movement based on Jesus' teachings, spreading within the empire

House Church

Private homes used for early Christian worship

Persecution

Hostility and violence against Christians by Roman authorities

Passive Persecution

Social exclusion and discrimination against Christians

Active Persecution

Legal actions and executions targeting Christians

Decius

Emperor who ordered widespread persecution of Christians

Passions of the Martyrs

Stories of Christians who died for their faith

The Passion of the Saints Perpetua and Felicity:

Account of two Christian martyrs