Jewish Inscriptions West Europe v1: Volume 1, Italy (Excluding the City of Rome), Spain and Gaul - Softcover

Noy, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521619777 ISBN 13: 9780521619776

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Although there was a substantial Jewish population in Western Europe from at least the first century BC, literary evidence for it before the end of the sixth century AD is very sparse, amounting to a few mainly hostile references by Roman writers and some material of doubtful historical value in rabbinic and hagiographic sources. Knowledge of the Jewish communities of the West is therefore almost entirely dependent on inscriptions, which contain information on community organisation, the use of biblical texts and religious symbols, linguistic habits, naming practices and social status, and burial customs and beliefs about life after death. This volume, the first of a two volume work, provides ready access to the Jewish inscriptions from Italy and the islands, Spain, France and Germany. Volume 2 concentrates on the inscriptions of the City of Rome. Hitherto it has been necessary to consult specialist publications to gain a complete picture of the inscriptions: this book fills a notable gap in the market.

About this title

Review

"It is as well-edited and thoroughly researched as its predecessors (Western Europe [1993] and Graeco-Roman Egypt [1992]), but surpasses them in that its editor has personally examined many of the inscriptions. The 600 inscriptions presented here are of inestimable importance, comprising the only authentic voice of the large Jewish community of ancient Rome through the sixth century C.E." Jonathan Price, Religious Studies Review

(continued) difficulties, ambiguities, and possibilities without forcing solutions, resolutions, or proofs....Reading such work is a scholar's delight....The book is extremely well organized....This work has advanced far beyond its predecessors in many ways, and therefore is indispensable for research in this era, whether in Jewish history, ancient Western European history, or inscriptional study. All who use this primary source material are now heavily indebted to David Noy's superb research and illuminating presentation." Lawrence J. Mykytiuk, Perdue University, SHOFAR

'A vital tool for specialists...beyond criticism' TLS

Book Description

Hitherto it has been necessary to consult specialist publications and regional surveys of Jewish evidence in order to gain a complete picture of the inscriptions of Western Europe. This volume - the first of a two volume work - provides ready access to them, and so fills a notable gap in the literature.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521619777
• ISBN 13: 9780521619776
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 444