ABSTRACT
The chapter profiles the rise of the final two major religious traditions practiced today, Christianity and Islam. The first half of the chapter describes the social, political, and economic setting of Roman Palestine at the time of the biblical narrative describing the founder of Christianity, Jesus of Nazareth (as told in the Gospels). The life of Jesus is discussed, including the major events surrounding his death. Archaeological evidence associated with this period is presented. The second half of the chapter describes the social, political, and economic setting of Arabia Roman Palestine at the time of the birth of the prophet Muhammed, founder of Islam. The life of Muhammed is discussed, including the major events surrounding his rise as the leader of a new religion. Archaeological evidence for the belief systems practiced in pre-Islamic Arabia is explored. Both religions are explored from the context of rebellion/resistance to circumstances existing at the time of their rise.
