HIST 219 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Eucharist, Moneylender, Middle Ages
Document Summary
Christianity emerged from judaism, in early days was v much a part of jewish community. Key element of christianity is that jesus was seen as messiah. Draw upon jewish txts to make case for this. Idea that christians are the perfected jews, not heretical. Christianity expanding in environment where both jews and pagan romans are hostile to them. Image of evil jew, judas, betraying jesus. Augustine of hippo (354-430 ce) and the doctrine of witness. Said that jews reject jesus bc they misread the bible. Code is clearly against attacks on jews/their property. Power and powerlessness under medieval christian rule. Jewish privileges in eur are constantly in state of flux--v precarious. Jews pay highest financial dues in exchange for autonomy and protection. In this sense, jews were actually property of the state-- servi camerae nostre serfs of our royal chamber. Jews often lend money in medieval societies. Need to charge v high rates in order to continue to pay rulers.
