Language:
English
Year of publication:
2001
Titel der Quelle:
Speculum; a Journal of Medieval Studies
Angaben zur Quelle:
76,4 (2001) 911-933
Keywords:
Emicho of Flonheim
;
Christianity and other religions Judaism To 1500
;
History
;
Crusades
;
Christian converts from Judaism
;
Jewish converts
Abstract:
Reveals how large-scale forced conversion of Jews during the Crusades was perceived as a threat to Christianity. Focuses on the image of the Count Emicho of Flonheim in Latin chronicles, where he is depicted as the villain responsible for the forced and, by canon law, illegal conversion of Jews. States that Emicho was directly responsible only for the violence at Mainz, but he came to symbolize all those who attacked the Jews. During the 12th century, when most of the Crusade chronicles were composed or finalized, Christians were particularly concerned about the threat of apostasy and Judaizing. The frequency of conversion under duress during the Crusades was felt to have created a body of unbelieving Christians and ultimately apostates (because the Jews generally reverted to Judaism). Christian fear of being unable to distinguish Jews from Christians led to a new, less trusting stage in medieval Jewish-Christian relations.
Note:
Reprinted in his collected articles "Popes, Church, and Jews in the Middle Ages" (2007) ch. VII.
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
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