The intent of this course was to supply a cultural backdrop for the origin of Christianity by means of introducing the social, political, and religious climate into which it emerged. This involves acquainting students with the policies and edicts of the empire that affected the identity and development of the church as well as describing the advances of Rome with regard to literature, innovation, and achievement. Contemporary sources are used to reconstruct this era, as are events and central figures related to Judaism such as its sages, priests, lawyers, and scholars.