Just as the Romans influenced the lives of people they conquered, those people influenced the lives of the Romans. Among those who brought new ideas and important changes were the Christians. Chapter 16 explores Christianity and its spread and influence in the Roman Empire.

Section 1 introduces the beginnings of Christianity through the life and teachings of Jesus based on his study of the scriptures.

Section 2 explains political conditions in Rome and how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire beginning with Paul, its first missionary, up until the time Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Section 3 describes how early Christian churches were organized and what life was like for early monks and nuns.