The Battle Over Jews in Medieval Spain
Lecturer: Thomas Barton, USD
During the Middle Ages, the Christian-ruled kingdoms of Spain which contained significant populations of Jews and Muslims. These communities were permitted to reside as protected ethno-religious minorities with the free practice of religion and a few basic liberties in return for their commitment to serve as law-abiding members of society. Retaining these non-Christian groups was advantageous for the Christians since they possessed valuable skills and wealth. Over time, the Spanish monarchies started to lay claim for exclusive royal rights to lucrative prerogatives such as control over public order, the coinage of money, and jurisdiction over Jews.
In this talk, Tom Barton (PhD Yale University, 2006) will delve into the case of the Crown of Aragon, and explore how rival, non-royal jurisdictional entities contested this legal formulation in their effort to control, exploit, and protect the Jewish subjects living on their independent lands from encroachment by kings and their administrators and other threats.
Generously supported by the Jewish Education Leadership Fund Families: Chortek Family Foundation, Leichtag Foundation, Melvin Garb Foundation, Virerbi Family Foundation, Susan Chortek Weisman & Eric Weisman
Sponsor: Generously supported by the Jewish Education Leadership Fund Families