Examine Jewish communities in the major population centers of Catalonia, Castile and Al-Andalus
ONLINE
THURSDAYS, 10:00-11:30am (EST) August 1st - 15th
The Jews of Catalonia and Northern Hispania: Toledo, Girona, and Barcelona
Course Description :
The Jews of Catalonia and Northern Hispania: Toledo, Girona, and Barcelona
During the Middle Ages, the Iberian Peninsula included political entities or kingdoms with fluctuating borders, ruled largely by Christians in the north and by Muslims in the south. Until the end of the 15th century, both Christian and Muslim principalities were inhabited by minorities of other religions. Jews lived in both the Christian north in the Muslim south.
Jews entered northern Spain at least as far back as the Roman conquest and perhaps before. Jewish life continued (sometimes precariously) in the north under the Visigoths. Under Catholic kings Jewish life intermittently thrived in the medieval cities of Toledo, Girona and Barcelona. As Christian forces moved south during the "Reconquista," most Jews found themselves under Christian rule. Forcible conversion of Jews and Muslims was followed by a doctrinal shift that racialized religion.
This course will examine Jewish life in the northern cities of Toledo, Girona and Barcelona during various phases of Christian rule. We will also explore what Jewish travelers to Spain can expect to see there.
THURSDAYS, 10:00-11:30am (EST)
Dates: August 1, 8, 15
