Jesus of Nazareth

~4 BCE–~30 CE · Jewish (Galilean) · Roman-era Judea

Known for: Founded Christianity, the world's largest religion — a carpenter's son who changed human history more than any emperor

Jesus of Nazareth was a Jewish preacher and healer from Galilee whose teachings, death, and reported resurrection launched Christianity, now the world's largest religion with over 2 billion adherents. He preached a radical message of love, forgiveness, and the coming Kingdom of God, challenged the religious establishment, attracted a devoted following, and was crucified by Roman authorities around 30 CE under Pontius Pilate.

The historical Jesus is difficult to separate from the theological Christ. Most historians agree he existed, was baptized by John the Baptist, preached in Galilee, was crucified in Jerusalem, and that his followers believed he rose from the dead. His teachings — the Sermon on the Mount, the parables, the Golden Rule — have shaped Western ethics, law, art, and culture more profoundly than any other single figure.

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