Roman Empire Begins

Octavian receives the title “Augustus” from the Roman Senate, marking the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. Augustus would rule until 14 CE, establishing the Pax Romana.

Augustus ordered the census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. The Roman infrastructure of roads and common governance would later facilitate the rapid spread of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean world.

The Roman Empire would dominate Judea throughout the New Testament period.