The article analyzes the changes in the position of the Jews in the period of late Antiquity. Due to the Christianization of the Empire, the position of other confessional groups changed. In particular, administrative and military service became inaccessible to Jews, interfaith marriages were forbidden, and proselytism was suppressed. It is not only the legal status that has deteriorated. The Church authorities also restricted simple daily interaction in every possible way, and sometimes some bishops initiated conflicts that ended in the destruction of the synagogue, the conversion or expulsion of Jews. One of the most famous such cases is the Judeo-Christian conflict on the island of Menorca in the early fifth century, described in a letter of the Bishop of Minorca Severus. The author tells how, under the influence of miracles that took place in the presence of the relics of Saint Stephen, which were recently brought to the island, the local Jews converted to Christianity. But some of the author's «reservations» tell us about forced conversion. The case of Minorca is not the only example of forced conversion of Jews during this period. But despite some tensions and occasional conflicts, the Jews remained members of late antique society, their religion was not prohibited, protected by law, and had some autonomy.
Key words: late Antiquity, Judeo-Christian relations, conflict, Code of Theodosius, letter of Severus, Minorca.
Reference to article:
Tsivileva V. E. Jews in the late antique west: the case of Minorca // Ivanovo State University Bulletin. Series «The Humanities». 2020. No.4. P. 91-98.