Final answer:
The Diaspora refers to the scattering and dispersion of the Jewish people from their homeland in Israel/Palestine, particularly following the Romans' destruction of the Second Temple. This event significantly impacted Jewish communal life, culture, and religious practices across various regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "Diaspora" refers to the dispersion of the Jewish people beyond their ancestral homeland of Israel/Palestine following the Romans' destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The Jewish diaspora began in earnest in the 130s CE, when Roman actions led to the scattering of Jewish people throughout various regions, primarily around the Mediterranean. Despite the forced exile, Jewish culture and religious practice remained robust, as demonstrated by the construction of new synagogues and the continuation of art and communal life.
Late Antiquity, a period from approximately 150 to 750 CE, saw both the hardening of Christian theologians' attitudes toward Jews and the implementation of restrictive laws by Byzantine emperors. Nevertheless, the diaspora led to a sense of displacement among Jewish groups, compelling them to form tight-knit communities while still largely agreeing on the tenets of their faith, regardless of their geographic location.