The Year God Died: Jesus and the Roman Empire in 33 AD

A groundbreaking account of how the Roman Empire shaped the life and death of Jesus, overturning centuries of historical beliefs around the world--from the New York Times bestselling author of The First Clash.

"Skillfully guides readers on a journey through the complexity and tumult of the Roman occupation of first-century Judea and its inevitable collision with the Jesus Movement."--Dr. T. J. Wray, professor of religious and theological studies and author of Good Girls, Bad Girls of the New Testament: Their Enduring Lessons

In late 31 AD, after the Roman senators murdered Lucius Sejanus, the Roman Emperor Tiberius's closest confidant, the Empire was forever changed. If Sejanus had not been murdered, Jesus would never have been crucified.

This profound connection between the lives of Sejanus and Jesus is the first of many revelations in this startling reexamination of the Roman world in which Jesus walked. With new evidence and meticulous research, Dr. James Lacey weaves a majestic and accurate description of who Jesus was.

The Year God Died contradicts longstanding historical beliefs to reveal the most comprehensive and accurate view of the New Testament. Lacey explains how the events in Rome drove events in Judea--which is directly linked to Jesus' crucifixion. He uncovers a vibrant and rich world, but one still coming to grips with the reality of Roman power. He introduces ten-year-old Boadicea, who is destined to lead Britain's tribes in a great revolt against Rome. He depicts Varus marching his legions past a four-year-old Jesus on his war to Jerusalem. And he describes how Herod prospered by appeasing some of the most dangerous people in history--Pompey, Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony, Cleopatra, and Augustus.

In this sweeping chronicle, Lacey dissects reams of misinformation to reveal, for the first time, Jesus, as he was born and lived within the grand spectacle of the Roman world.

Author: James Lacey
Publisher: Bantam
Published: 05/20/2025
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.40w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9780593355220


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 03/24/2025

About the Author
Dr. James Lacey is the professor of strategy at the Marine Corps War College. He also holds the Horner Chair of War Studies at Marine Corps University. Prior to taking this position, he was a widely published senior analyst at the Institute for Defense Analyses in Washington, D.C. His previous works include Rome: A Strategy for Empire, Moment of Battle, The First Clash, Great Strategic Rivalries, Gods of War, and The Washington War.