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Robert Chazan,
THE JEWS OF MEDIEVAL WESTERN CHRISTENDOM
(Students' excerpt project)
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INTRODUCTION
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The reconstruction of Jewish history in Western Europe between 1000 and 1500 depends greatly on the availability and nature of the sources, which are relatively limited when compared to later periods. The quantity and quality of these sources, however, vary considerably across both time and place. Over the course of these centuries, the available documentation gradually increases, but its richness is highly dependent on the specific region under study.
In order to achieve a balanced understanding of Jewish history during this period, it is essential to consult both Christian and Jewish sources. On the Christian side, the extent of records often reflects the degree of administrative development in a given locale and era. Among the most extensive and continuous sources are the records of the papacy. Within the papal archives, we find thousands of documents that directly concern Jews, ranging from legal protections and privileges to restrictions and condemnations. These documents provide an invaluable lens into both Church policy and the broader relationship between Christians and Jews in medieval Europe.
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