Ideas · c. 6–4 BCE
Birth of Jesus
Bethlehem (traditional), Judea
Jesus of Nazareth was probably born between about 6 and 4 BCE, since the Gospels place his birth in the reign of King Herod, whose death is usually dated to 4 BCE. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke set his birth in Bethlehem, though many historians think he was more likely born in Nazareth in Galilee, where he grew up.
Why it mattered
Christianity, which grew from his life and teachings, became one of the world's largest religions, and the Anno Domini year count devised by Dionysius Exiguus in 525 CE, which placed his birth a few years too late, underlies today's common calendar era.
Related
- The world in 100 BCE: The Silk Road Opens chapter
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