Final answer:
Christianity, rooted in Judaism, emerged in the first century C.E., with Jesus Christ's teachings on love, compassion, and equality. Despite persecution, it gradually gained appeal in the Roman Empire and evolved into a distinct monotheistic religion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Christianity originated as a branch of Judaism in the eastern Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula. This monotheistic religion is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who lived in Palestine in the first century C.E. As the Roman Empire captured Jerusalem, the practice of Jewish law and the belief systems were challenged, yet Christianity maintained the idea that all human beings are spiritually equal from its Judaic roots. Jesus's messages centered around love, compassion, and spiritual fulfillment, which appealed to many across different social hierarchies, including slaves and social outcasts within the Roman Empire. Early Christians faced divisions and persecution, but the universalism and appeal of salvation drew a growing following.