Unit II of Mapping Rome is named after the religious figures we will survey: messiahs, or saviors; martyrs, or the persecuted; and saints, or the exceptionally holy.

   The unit begins with a reversal of center and periphery, as we initially focus on the city of Jerusalem. Located near the Eastern edge of the Roman Empire, Jerusalem is sacred first to the Jews, and later to the Christians. As we define the principles of these peoples’ religions, Judaism and Christianity, the ancient texts and practices we encounter will establish Roman traditions that continue into the Middle Ages and beyond, even into the present day.