Greco-Roman Thread

The Greco-Roman thread traces Greek civilization from its classical heights through Alexander’s conquests, and Roman civilization from republic to empire. These cultures shaped the world in which Christianity emerged and spread.

Significance to Abrahamic History

• Hellenization: Alexander’s conquests spread Greek language and culture throughout the Near East, including Judea. This created both cultural opportunities (the Septuagint translation) and tensions (leading to the Maccabean revolt).

• Roman Rule: Rome took control of Judea in 63 BCE. Jesus was born under Augustus, ministered under Tiberius, and was crucified under Pontius Pilate. The early church spread along Roman roads.

• Destruction and Diaspora: Rome destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE, fundamentally reshaping Judaism.

• Christian Triumph: Christianity went from persecuted sect to state religion of the Roman Empire within three centuries.

Key Events in This Thread

From Alexander’s conquests to Constantine’s conversion, the Greco-Roman world provided the political, cultural, and linguistic context for the New Testament and early church.