Christianity began in the 1st century AD in the Roman province of Judaea, specifically in and around Jerusalem. It originated as a Jewish Christian sect centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish preacher who was crucified in Jerusalem around 30-33 AD
. The earliest Christian community was established in Jerusalem under leaders such as James the Just, Peter, and John. This community consisted initially of Jewish followers of Jesus who believed him to be the Messiah prophesied in Jewish tradition
. Key events such as Jesus' resurrection and the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, took place in Jerusalem, marking it as the most likely place of origin for Christianity
. Though Christianity started in Jerusalem, it soon spread beyond, with the first use of the term "Christian" recorded in Antioch. The faith expanded rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, influenced by figures like Paul the Apostle who preached to Gentiles and helped establish Christianity as distinct from Judaism
. In summary, Christianity began in Jerusalem, Judaea, in the 1st century AD as a Jewish sect following Jesus of Nazareth, and from there it spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond
