BY CENTURY
B.C. |
1st |
2d |
3d |
4th |
5th |
6th |
7th |
8th |
9th |
10th |
11th |
12th |
13th |
14th |
15th |
16th |
17th
|
18th |
19th |
20th |
21th
|
Anti-Semitism: B.C.
Back
to the Top
2nd Millenium B.C. Jews, or "Habiru" [Hebrews] mentioned in 
Egyptian and
cuneiform records.
18th Century B.C. Cuneiform tablets at the time of Hammurabi of
Babylon denote the "Bene-Yamin" [Benjamin] or Children of the Right Hand [First
secular mention of the Jews} Noted as an "aggressive people threatening urban
centers"1 Concurrent with Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob
1500 B.C. Moses [Moshe] arises to free the nation of Israel from her
captors Egypt who have held those in Goshen in slavery and oppression. The
Desert wanderings begin.
@1500 b.c. Adoption of a "Melech," or King by Anointing to
increase military protection against the Philistines. "Mashiach Yahweh" or the
Holy One of Yahweh, later, the Anointed King, the Holy One of Israel, the
Messiah, deliverer.
1000 B.C. Under Saul and David, the 'second consolidation' of of the
Kingdom under a King.
@900 b.c. The Division of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms: Judah
and Benjamin stay south near Jerusalem under Rehoboam and the ten other tribes
under Jeroboam move North, creating a false capital in Samaria. Northern Tribes
called "Israel" ; southern tribes called "Judah". Until the captivity, there is
division, with an occasional alliance and embattlements from foreign armies such
as Syria, Assyria, Babylon, Egypt and Edom on all sides.
721 B.C. Samaria taken by Sargon II of Assyria. Northern Kingdom
defeated and taken Captive.
587 B.C. Nebuchanezzar of Babylon takes Jerusalem and destroys the
Temple. A remnant of Jews take refuge in Egypt, a few poor Jews left in farming
outside of Jerusalem. Captives taken to Babylon in what is now Iraq.
THE FIRST FALL OF JERUSALEM AND THE FIRST TEMPLE. Part I
Diaspora.
538 b.c. Babylon (with Jews in captivity) conquered by Persian
Empire. Persians denoted as Liberators for Jews, more tolerant than Babylonians.
Jews in Egypt fight in Persian army when Egypt falls to Persia. There is
evidence of a 5th century Jewish Community in Elephantine, or what is known as
Aswan. A Temple to 'Yahweh' is found there.
Persia allows the Jews in Babylon to return: under Cyrus and Darius.
THE RETURN FROM EXILE: THE SECOND TEMPLE BUILT
500 b.C. Egyptian Jews: Aramaic documents at the time of the Temple
construction at Aswan.
FIRST DOCUMENTED COMPLAINT OF ANTI-SEMITIC POGROM:
Jews complain to Persians that Egyptians attack the Temple. Josephus takes
note of the instance later. Anti-semitism was noted and given a foundation in
Egypt: historical seeds of blood libel. Anti-semitic incidents noted later in
Macedonian captivity.
334 B.C. to 323 B.C. Alexander the Great conquers Asia: Jews already
in Asia, and speak Aramaic, Hebrew becomes focused on worship only. Jews in
Alexandria noted at the time. Asia and Alexandria are "hellenized".
270 B.C. Alexandrian Jews adopt Greek as first language:
hellenization of certain scriptures. Around this time it is reported but never
proved that the Old Testament was written in Greek, deemed the "Septuagint", but
the account is mythical and fantastical. Later, Origen's 5th column of the
Hexepla, in Greek is denoted as the older Septuagint, but is never proven. All
evidence bears on an unsigned small piece of parchment, and a character reported
over hundreds of years as in existence. A step in the 'dejudaizing' of the Jews,
a landmark in the history of 'assimilation' of the Jews.
400 b.C.-1 A.D. "Inter-testamental Period": Jews enjoy some liberty
with trouble; a return to dietary laws and orthodox practice, e.g. Shabbat:
Greeks and other gentiles convert to Judaism. Beginning of the pharisees who
initially call for a return to true worship and separation.
Ptolemy Dynasty of Egypt takes over Palestine as Alexander's
Macedonian reign breaks down.
200B.C. Antiochus III, Seleucid Dynasty defeats Ptolemy Dynasty of
Egypt for rule of Palestine.
168 B.C. Antiochus Epiphanes IV tries 'forced assimilation of the
Jews'2 by forcing Greek worship. Judas Maccabee and brothers lead a
rebellion [Hasmonaeans]. A Jewish state is formed again; including bordering
region of Idumeans. Hasmoneans take on the priesthood instead of levites. and
division with purist leads to Roman conquest.
63 B.C. Pompey, takes Jerusalem. [adversary of Caesar]Many Jews
enslaved, carried captive to Rome. Some freed there.
40 B.C.Hyrcanus II, a Hasmonean appointed by Pompey loses much of the
kingdom to Herod in Judaea, Rome helps. The Herodians are hated by the Jews.
Roman controlled. Judea romanized: e.g. Ceasarea, Tiberias etc.
Anti-Semitism: 1st Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
2 A.D. The Slaughter of the Innocents: every Jewish Male under 2
years old is slaughtered under the reign of Herod the Great: his fear was a
prophesied King which would depose him and Rome.
4 A.D. Herod dies. 4-10 A.D. A Prefect is appointed by Rome. (Pontius
Pilate will be of this appointment).
1 A.D.-33 A.D. Life of Christ. During this time Anti-Semitism at a
great high. Those who will not serve Rome are given death sentence. Roads to
Jerusalem lined with crucified Jewish males. 70 Zealots who protest the placing
of the Roman Eagle insigna on the Temple are burned alive.
33 A.D. CHRIST CRUCIFIED. Pontius Pilate mocks Christ and the Jews in
His crucifixion. Pilate denoted as a vile anti-semite, unwillingly placed at the
desert outpost of Jerusalem because of friendship/alliance with Sejanus, killed
after an attempt on Caesar's life.
37-44 A.D. Agrippa I rules Judaea.
66 B.C. NeroFollowing the devastating cruelty of Caligula, Nero takes
the throne and Jews form a rebellion in Jerusalem without the strong support of
the 'priest class'. The Jewish guerillas hold Jerusalem and region, but Rome
regains control. During the reign of Caligula [Gaius] in Alexandria, Egyptians
desecrated synagogues and put of statues of the cruel, psychotic emperor.
63-73 B.C. Vespasian puts down the uprising in Galilee and later
becomes emperor. "Titus refuses to accept a wreath of victory, as there is "no
merit in vanquishing people forsaken by their own God". (Philostratus, Vita
Apollonii). "Rebellion led by Bar Matthiah.1,6
1st Century: Apion writes Anti-semitic treatise containing the first
blood libel; Josephus responds with "Against Apion".
1st century Juvenal writes Anti-Semitic poetry. States ""They have a
particular cult and particular laws; they despise the Roman laws."7
70 A.D. The fall of Masada, a Jewish stronghold in the summer
mountain top retreat of the Herods: all but two commit mass suicide: Rome again
takes Jerusalem. This year saw famines, slaughter and cannibalism. Rome collects
the Temple shekel used for the Temple to build the Temple to Jupiter in Rome.
Precedent for taxation on the Jews for Gentiles later in history.
FALL OF JERUSALEM: TEMPLE BURNED
Anti-Semitism: 2nd Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
115 A.D. "The Virgin Mary Cult" of Iraneus, Bishop of Lyon is begun,
deifying Mary and making her a 'co-redemtrix' with Christ. Many Christians count
it heresy, and the Jews view it as Ashtoreth worship, an abomination. 115-116
A.D. Egypt, Cyrene, Cyprus experience anti-semitic acts by Greeks in riots
put down by Romans.
117-132 B.C. Hadrian bars Jews from Worship and defeats uprising led
by Bar Kokhba. Jews left without a national homeland.
132-35 A.D.Later, Hadrian builds temple: Aelia Capitolina to Jupiter
in Jerusalem. Circumcision forbidden Rabbi Akiba declares bar Kokhba Messiah: he
leads a rebellion. Hundreds of documents including a list regarding the location
of Temple items hidden in various locations is included.7
2nd Century Melito of Sardis writes "On the Passion"
declares Jews guilty of the death of Christ [deicide] and for the first time,
asks Rome to consider Jews and Christians separately in persecutions. A careful
reading of the Peri Pascha though, implores Israel of the love of their God for
them, but the document marks the beginning of the blame of the Jews.
Anti-Semitism: 3rd Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
200 a.d. Philostratus:Greek Philosopher, Alexandria, declares the
Jews enemies of Rome and humanity.
200 A.D. Mishnah compiled: Furthered rabbinical detailing of
ordinances and rules regarding Temple worship and the Law.
250 A.D.Famine and Plague in Roman Empire
253 A.D. Emperor Valeren
268 A.D. Emperor Claudius II
Anti-Semitism: 4th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
306 B.C. Council of Elvira bans marriage between Jews and Christians
313 A.D.Constantine takes over the Roman Empire, declares the Jews
unclean and 'pernicious'; opens religious tolerance and assimilation to
Christians, but bans the Jews in the Edict of Milan.
325 A.D. 1st Council of Nicea: Easter separated from Passover: Jews
noted as 'detestable' and 'blinded'. Easter comes from "Ishtar' though, and
while celebration is of the Passion of Christ, the Passover is the Biblical
feast.
361-363 A.D. Emperor Julian the Apostate: Allows Jews to return to
Jerusalem; promotes tolerance of all faiths.
386 Chrysostom of Antioch writes 8 homilies, entitled: " Adversus
Judaeos" ( Against the Judaizers).
388 Callinicum Synagogue burnt down by angry Catholic mob. Ambrose
implores the Emperor not to cause the mob to have to compensate the rebuilding
of the synagogue, citing religious precedence over civil law.V
399 A.D. Emperor Flavius Augustus Honorius calls Judaism
superstitio indignaconfiscates gold and silver collected by the
synagogues.7
THE DARK AGES
Anti-Semitism: 5th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
xx
Anti-Semitism: 6th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
xx
Anti-Semitism: 7th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top<
xx
Anti-Semitism: 8th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
xx
Anti-Semitism: 9th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
800- Charlemagne crowned King of Holy Roman Empire by the Holy See on
Christmas; extends liberty to the Jews seeing them as an economic asset: Orders
the Church to ease restrictions. His control is over Europe, save for Britain,
Spain and Scandinavia 11
Anti-Semitism: 10th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
Anti-Semitism: 11th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
1177 Blois France- 50 Jewish men and women killed in retailiation for
the rumored death of a Christian Child. Jews portrayed as demons.
Anti-Semitism: 12th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
Moneylenders-most moneylenders are Jews due to their exclusion from
traditonal vocations. Moneylenders taxed by indebted nobles, and increase usury
on farmers and peasant borrowers.
1189Riots-Based upon economic issues of nobles and others unable to
repay Jewish loans, riots erupt in England.
1190- Threats to murder the Jews following the English
riots.
Anti-Semitism: 13th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
1215-Pope Innocent III renews charges of Deicide against the Jews;
declares with other rulers in Europe that Jews must wear identifying marks; in
Europe this includes pointed hats and circle badges.9,11
1290- King Edward bans Jews from the country and confiscates their
property.
Anti-Semitism: 14th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
1306- France: Jews expelled from France. Jews remain in Germany
insecurely.
1347- The Black Plague: A Genovese tailor ship arrives in port with
crew dead or dying: hallmarks the beginning of the Black, or bubonic plague.
Jews blamed for poisoning wells. 24 million die in 2 years. Later, Pope issues
warning remarking that Jews are also victims, and the rumors are decried as
false.
14th century- Lithuania and Poland offer immigration and refuge for
Jews.
End of 14th century- Move to convert all Jews and Moslems to
Catholicism: Jews excluded from trades, farming and crafts. Synagogue
Confiscated- turned into Catholic Cathedral: Santa Maria del Blanco.
100.000 Converts termed "marranos" meaning 'swine'; true converts
referred to as conversos; Many Marranos continue secret worship and Torah
practices such as dietary laws, risking death.
Anti-Semitism: 15th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
Resurgence of Spanish Inquistion- imprisonment, death sentences,
property confiscations and tortures for those unwilling to convert.
1492-Ferdinand and Isabel command Jews to convert or leave country.
Some historians suggest Christopher Columbus may have been a converted Jew based
on this and other evidences including keeping of 7th day shabbat.
Massive Expulsion from Spain- 150,000; end of a great movement in
Spain of Sephardic Jewish Culture.
August 1492-Same month as Columbus' departure to New World; Last of
Jews leave Spain.
Anti-Semitism: 16th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
xx
Anti-Semitism: 17th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
xx
Anti-Semitism: 18th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
xx
Anti-Semitism: 19th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
xx
Anti-Semitism: 20th Century A.D.
Back
to the Top
xx
Anti-Semitism: Today
Back
to the Top
xx
CREDITS
1Morais, Vamberto. A Short History of
Anti-Semitism W.W. Norton & Company; NY; 1976.
2Ibid. A
Short History of Anti-Semitism: Chapter 1: In the Beginning. W.W. Norton
& Company; NY; 1976.
3The Holy Bible, King James
Version.
4Herklotts. How Our Bible Came to
Us
5Josephus. The Wars of the
Jews
6Anti-Semitism: The Free Dictionary:
Timeline:http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/History%20of%20anti-Semitism
7Documentary
on the Caves of Bar Kokhba: NOVA; PBS November 23,2004
KNPB.
8Lazare, Bernard. Anti-Judaism in Antiquity:
http://www.nalanda.nitc.ac.in/resources/english/etext-project/history/antisemitic/chapter4.html
9Eban,
Abba, Consultant. Heritage Series: "Civilization and the Jews". Krainin,
Director; Sponsored by National Endowment for Humanities, Lemberg Foundation,
Jacob Burns Foundation et al.
11Anti-Semitism Timeline: Florida
Holocaust Museum;
http://www.flholocaustmuseum.org/history_wing/antisemitism/room1_timeline.cfm
