Christianity was founded in the 1st century CE, based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who is considered the central figure of the religion. Jesus, a Jewish preacher, taught about love, compassion, forgiveness, and the coming of the Kingdom of God. His crucifixion around 30-33 CE, followed by the belief in his resurrection, led to the formation of a community of followers, which eventually grew into a distinct religious movement.
After Jesus' death, his disciples and early followers, including figures like Peter and Paul, played crucial roles in spreading his teachings and establishing Christian communities. The early church began to emerge, as followers sought to interpret Jesus' life and message in the context of Jewish tradition and the broader Greco-Roman world.
Over the subsequent centuries, Christianity evolved, leading to various denominations and theological developments. It became the state religion of the Roman Empire by the end of the 4th century under Emperor Constantine. Today, Christianity is one of the world's major religions, with a diverse array of beliefs and practices.