Historical Events tagged with "persecution"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Mass Violence Against Jews in Lisbon

April 19th, 1506 519 years ago

Between April and May, Portuguese Catholics targeted the Jewish community in Lisbon, resulting in widespread violence and slaughter. This violent outbreak began after a rumor spread that a church miracle was linked to the murdering of Jews. The chaos engulfed the city, with mobs attacking and killing many Jews. Authorities were ultimately ineffective in stopping the violence, which reflects the intense religious fervor and societal tensions of the time.

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Politics & Government

Sultan Bayezid II Rescues Expelled Jews from Spain

August 2nd, 1492 532 years ago

Following the expulsion decree of Jews from Spain, Sultan Bayezid II of the Ottoman Empire took significant action to provide refuge. Learning that a substantial number of Jews were displaced, he dispatched the Ottoman Navy to safely escort these individuals to Ottoman lands, notably to Thessaloniki and İzmir. This response not only reflected a benevolent policy but also showcased the Ottoman Empire's commitment to religious tolerance during a time of widespread persecution in Europe.

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Crime & Law

Basel's Jewish Population Rounded Up and Incinerated

January 9th, 1349 676 years ago

In Basel, fear and superstition led to the mass rounding up and incineration of the Jewish population, whom many residents blamed for the Black Death ravaging Europe. Accusations of poisoning wells and spreading disease fueled this brutal act of violence against the community, who had lived in Basel for generations. The incident occurred amidst widespread hysteria and a desperate search for scapegoats amid the pandemic crisis.

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Politics & Government

Union of Valencia Attacks Jews of Murviedro

November 1st, 1348 676 years ago

An anti-royalist faction in Valencia launched an assault on the Jewish community in Murviedro, claiming they were serfs of the King of Valencia. Fueled by rising tensions over royal authority, approximately 300 Jews faced violence instigated by accusations of loyalty to the monarchy, sparking a significant incident in the region's social turmoil.

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Religion & Philosophy

Pope Clement VI Defends Jews from Blame

July 6th, 1348 676 years ago

Pope Clement VI issued a papal bull aiming to protect Jewish communities who were unjustly accused of causing the Black Death through poisoning wells. Amidst growing anti-Semitic sentiment in Europe, the Pope condemned these false accusations and called for compassion and understanding towards the Jewish population. This papal pronouncement was a response to the widespread violence, including massacres and expulsions, directed at Jews during the plague years, emphasizing the need for peace and coexistence.

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Crime & Law

Hugues de Pairaud Confesses During Templar Trials

November 9th, 1307 717 years ago

Hugues de Pairaud, an officer of the Knights Templar, was forced to confess under pressure during the infamous Trials of the Knights Templar. He faced charges that included false idolism and sodomy, which were serious accusations that reflected the climate of suspicion and fear surrounding the Templar order. Pairaud's confessions were part of a broader crackdown initiated by King Philip IV of France, who sought to eliminate the Templars and seize their wealth for his own financial gain.

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Religion & Philosophy

Martyrdom of the Cathars at Montségur

March 16th, 1244 781 years ago

After the lengthy siege of Montségur, over 200 Cathars met their fate when they steadfastly refused to renounce their faith. They were captured by the forces of the Catholic Church in France, led by Simon de Montfort, during a campaign against heretical groups. The Cathars, adhering to their beliefs, faced trials leading to their execution, marking a significant moment of religious conflict in medieval Europe.

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Politics & Government

Granada's Attack on Jewish Community

December 30th, 1066 958 years ago

A Muslim mob attacked the royal palace in Granada, leading to the crucifixion of Joseph ibn Naghrela, the Jewish vizier, and the massacre of many Jewish inhabitants. Fuelled by resentment and tensions between Muslims and Jews, this brutal event resulted in significant loss of life and marked a turning point in the relationship between these communities in medieval Spain.

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Religion & Philosophy

End of the Diocletianic Persecution of Christians

April 30th, 311 1713 years ago

The Diocletianic Persecution officially ceased with the Edict of Toleration issued by Galerius, effectively ending the systematic oppression of Christians within the Roman Empire. This marked a significant turning point in the relationship between Christianity and the Roman state, facilitating the gradual acceptance of Christianity, which had faced severe restrictions under Emperor Diocletian and his colleagues. The death of Diocletian paved the way for a more lenient approach toward Christians, leading to greater religious freedom.

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