Jewish-Christian relations in Europe, 840–1096

Abstract

The Jews of Europe enjoyed a period of efflorescence and stability under the Carolingians; a century and a half later they were massacred during the First Crusade. Historians have explained the transition from tranquillity to massacre by positing that a series of events during the intervening period heralded a downturn in the political fortunes of the Jews, as well as rising anti-Jewish agitation among Christians. This study closely analyses the supposed signposts of destruction and demonstrates that the evidence does not support the notion of adumbration.