Jews and Converts in Late Medieval Castile: Breaking with the Past

Jews and Converts in Late Medieval Castile explores the evolving relationship between Jews and Christians in Castile during the 14th and 15th centuries, considering social, cultural, and religious factors that influenced their interactions. The study highlights the economic importance of the Jewish community, their contributions to royal coffers, and the success and failures of some Jews in court. It also examines the phenomenon of Jewish conversion and its social consequences, including the anti-converso riots of the mid-fifteenth century. The book is valuable for academics and students of medieval and Jewish history, as well as for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of multi-cultural societies.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 250 pages
\n Publication date: 06 April 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Jews and Converts in Late Medieval Castile delves into the intricate dynamics of Jewish-Christian relations in Castile during the fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries. The territorial expansion of Christian kingdoms in Iberia following the mid-thirteenth-century reconquests brought forth both military and economic challenges, profoundly impacting the delicate balance between Muslims, Jews, and Christians in the Peninsula. Economic and financial pressures played a pivotal role, with the Iberian Jewish community contributing significantly to royal coffers through substantial tax revenues. Additionally, some members of the Jewish community achieved prominence at court, experiencing remarkable success that often led to tragic endings.

A distinctive aspect of this study lies in its utilization of both Castilian and Hebrew sources from the period, shedding light on how mutual perceptions evolved over a span of four centuries. The study encompasses the remarkable phenomenon of Jewish conversion, delving into its causes and outlining the profound social transformations that ultimately culminated in the anti-converso riots of the mid-fifteenth century.

This book holds immense value for scholars and students of medieval history, as well as those interested in Jewish history. Moreover, as a study of a unique crucible of social change, it possesses broader relevance to multi-cultural societies across different eras, including our contemporary world.

\n Weight: 550g\n
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367470074\n \n