Prelude to the Ghetto: Did Venice Favor the “Italian Way”?

What is it about?

In the early spring of 1516, the establishment of the ghetto (28 March) in Venice was of little importance at the highest political level. whereas it was of strong impact among the Jewish community. By the end of the year, the Signoria was once again engaged in a desperate struggle to collect money in huge amounts. On Christmas eve, the Senate was willing to confirm the memorandum submitted by the Jewish Community on condition that it could immediately provide the loan in cash. On January 8, 1517 the official charter of the new era came into force: two banks and nine second-hand shops were already in operation. The Venetian ghetto lasted for over three centuries; the Jewish settlements on the Terraferma were practically wiped out, with few exceptions, whereas in the Terre da Mar they mostly endured the the political change.

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Why is it important?

My work is unique for it covers nearly three centuries of Jewish history before the opening of the ghetto in Venice in 1516.