Christianity is an Abrahamic religion that began as a Second Temple Judaic sect in the mid-1st century. Originating in Judea, it quickly spread to Europe, Syria, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Transcaucasia, Egypt, Ethiopia and India, and by the end of the 4th century had become the official state church of the Roman Empire. Following the Age of Discovery, Christianity spread to the Americas, Australasia, sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the world through missionary work and colonization.
Christianity has played a prominent role in the shaping of Western civilization. It is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who serves as the focal point for the religion. Its the world's largest religion, with over 2.4 billion followers, or 33% of the global population, known as Christians.