The origins of Christianity can be traced back to the 1st century CE in the region of Judea, part of the Roman Empire. It began as a movement within Judaism, centered around the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who is considered the central figure of the faith. His followers believed him to be the Messiah and the Son of God, and they spread his teachings after his crucifixion. The early Christian community was initially composed of Jewish believers, but it gradually expanded to include Gentiles. Key figures like Paul of Tarsus played a significant role in spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities, leading to the establishment of churches throughout the Roman Empire and the development of early Christian texts, including the New Testament.