From a non-religious historical perspective, Jesus of Nazareth was a Jewish preacher and religious leader who lived in the region of ancient Judea, which is now part of modern-day Israel, around the early first century CE. He emerged during a time of political and social upheaval within the Roman province of Judea.

Historical sources outside of religious texts are limited, but they do provide some insights into his life. Jesus is mentioned in several works by ancient historians such as Josephus and Tacitus, albeit briefly and with varying degrees of detail. These references confirm the existence of a figure named Jesus who was associated with a religious movement that attracted followers.

Scholars generally agree that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist and began his own ministry, preaching a message centered on the coming of the "Kingdom of God" and emphasizing love, compassion, and forgiveness. He gained a following of disciples and reportedly performed miracles, though the historical accuracy of these accounts is debated.

Jesus's teachings and actions challenged the religious and political authorities of his time, leading to his eventual arrest and execution by crucifixion under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. His crucifixion is one of the few events in his life that is widely accepted by historians.

After his death, his followers claimed that he had been resurrected, and they spread his teachings, eventually forming the basis of Christianity. Over time, Jesus became the central figure of this new religious movement, which grew to become one of the world's major religions.

In summary, from a non-religious historical perspective, Jesus of Nazareth was a Jewish preacher and religious leader whose life and teachings had a significant impact on the history of the ancient Mediterranean world, regardless of one's personal beliefs about his divinity.