For Those Who Have Been Made Worthy of Favor by New Conversion”: Angevin Policies Toward Jews and Converts in Naples and Provence, 1285–1309

Abstract

This article examines policies toward Jews and Jewish converts to Christianity in the lands under the rule of Charles II of Naples (r. 1285–1309) and questions the degree to which these policies suggest a coherent program of Angevin anti-Judaism. The article draws on evidence from Angevin chancery registers to evaluate five types of official actions available to Charles II concerning Jews and converts: the issuance of restrictive anti-Jewish legislation, the granting of privileges and protections to Jews, the granting of privileges and tax exemptions to converted Jews, inquisitions against lapsed converts, and expulsions of professing Jews. The article also examines the degree to which those policies were influenced by papal attitudes and by policies emanating from the Capetian court in northern France. This discussion highlights the ways that Charles II used both the abuse and protection of Jews to strengthen his own authority and limit the power of local officials, papal representatives, and powerful bishops and archbishops across his lands.

Department(s)

History

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1484/J.VIATOR.5.130889

Keywords

Anjou, Bartolomeo di Aquila, Charles II, conversion, converted Jews, expulsion, inquisition, Jewish-Christian relations, Jews, Naples, Provence, rejudaizing, tallia judeorum

Publication Date

1-1-2021

Journal Title

Viator Medieval and Renaissance Studies

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