A contribution to the Greenwood Guides to Historic Events of the Ancient World, Cynthia White's overview of the emergence of Christianity follows the general format of that series: a chronological timeline, including a list with the dates of Roman emperors from Augustus through the House of Theodosius and of the rulers of Judea from Judas Maccabeus through
Agrippa II, biographies of key literary and historical figures, a selection of primary documents illustrating the religious situation of early Christianity, and a glossary, annotated bibliography, and index.
He proposes a complex ensemble that includes on the west side a rider, identifiable as Herod
Agrippa II, as well as figures in chariots drawn by lions and panthers, and on the east side Athena and another deity on a chariot drawn by lions and flanked by captives.