The map above gives a very general overview of the legal status of Jews in various major European countries around the year 1500.
Interestingly, the two European countries with the largest Jewish populations today (France: 465,000; UK: 270,000) both had Jewish bans in 1500.
And perhaps even more interesting is the fact that the Muslim Ottoman Empire allowed Jews to live in within it territory, while they were banned throughout much of Western Europe.
Of course Europe in 1500 was far more fragmented than the map above shows and legal bans existed in various cities, towns and villages within countries and empires that allowed Jews to live. Moreover, the quality of life for Jews could vary widely by country and life was not easy in many more “accepting” countries.
The topic is so complex, that it’s best covered by reading a book on the subject. The following are a good place to start:
- The Jews in Christian Europe: A Source Book, 315–1791
- Venice, the Jews, and Europe: 1516-2016
- The Story of the Jews: Finding the Words 1000 BC – 1492 AD
Find this map interesting? Please share it with a friend:
Storky says
Map totally incorrect about Lithuania .
In 1500 its was ally with Poland and had same laws,
2nd statistically in Minsk of Lithuania were 20% of jews
Cory says
Some of these bans remained legally in place for centuries. Spain only did away with its ban in the 1990’s.
Juanjo says
Wrong. Spain did away its ban in 1850s at same time of new constitución with freedom of religion.
Jose says
The map is not correct about Spain. Already existed as a nation in 1500.
Winston Poole says
The status of the Jewish Community has improved a lot due to education.
The ‘ Corbinisters are doing all they can to reverse the progress ‘