 |
Jewish communities develop under Muslim rule. The Golden Age of Spain produces a rich culture of Jewish poetry and philosophy. Jews settle in northern and western Europe. Religious persecution leads to the expulsions of Jews from areas in Europe and also Spain.
|
| 733
|
Muslim Attacks on France Fail
|
| 750 |
Abbasid Dynasty Rises to Power in Baghdad
|
| c. 760 |
Karaism Founded
The Jewish sect the Karaites develops in opposition to the talmudic-rabbinical tradition. Its religious precepts are derived directly from the Bible and are based on the literal meaning of the text.
|
| 800 |
Charlemagne Crowned Holy Roman Emperor; First Charters for Jews in Northern Europe
|
| c.
900 |
Golden
Age of Jews in Spain
With the beginning of the Golden Age, Jewish life shifts towards Spain. Through the 1100s, Jews flourish as traders, merchants, doctors, poets, and philosophers within Muslim society. Sephardim are descendants of Jews who lived in Spain or Portugal.
|
| c. 1050 |
Yiddish Language Develops
Yiddish is used among the Ashkenazim, Jews living in Northern Europe. Written in Hebrew letters, the basic grammar and vocabulary of Yiddish is German, along with French, Italian, and Hebrew influences.
|
| 1085
|
Toledo Conquered
Toledo shifts from Muslim to Christian control. The situation remains largely the same for Jews, who continue to be prominent members of the city.
|
| 1096
|
First Crusaders Massacre Jews in Rhineland
|
| 1105
|
Rashi
Death of Rashi, acronym of Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac (1040-1105), France. Leading commentator on the Bible and Talmud.
|
| 1141
|
Judah Halevi
Death of Judah Halevi (1075-1141), originally from Spain, emigrated to Israel. Poet and Philosopher.
|
| 1144
|
Blood
Libel in Norwich, England
|
| 1200-1225
|
Franciscan
and Dominican Orders Founded
|
| 1204
|
Maimonides
Death of Maimonides, also known as Rambam, acronym of Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (1135-1204), Spain. Rabbinic authority, codifier of Jewish law, rationalist philosopher, and royal physician, Maimonides is the most illustrious figure of medieval Judaism.
|
| 1215 |
Magna Carta, England; Jews of Europe Forced
to Wear Special
Badge
|
| 1290
|
Jews Expelled from England
With an increase in violence, economic restrictions, and Church hostility, Jews are expelled from areas in Western Europe. Some Jews move east towards Poland, Lithuania, and Russia. |
| 1306
|
Jews
Expelled from France
|
| 1321
|
Death of Dante (1265-1321)
|
| 1348 |
Black Death; Persecution of Jews
|
| 1391
|
Forced Conversions of Jews in Spain
Civil unrest effects Jews in Spain, Jewish prosperity is resented. Jewish property is destroyed and Jews are given the choice of embracing Christianity or death. Many Jews become conversos, forced converts to Catholicism.
|
| 1453
|
Jews
Expelled from Cologne
|
| c.
1460 |
Printing
Invented in Europe
|
| 1481
|
Spanish Inquisition Established
The Inquisition is established to investigate and combat heresy, and to root out conversos who continue to practice Judaism.
|
| 1492
|
Expulsion of Jews from Spain
|
