The Journey of Deacon Bodo from the Rhine to the Guadalquivir: Apostasy and Conversion to Judaism in Early Medieval Europe
Frank Riess
The story of Bodo begins in the ninth century around time death Charlemagne 814. It centres on a young Aleman aristocrat and his conversion to Judaism 838, followed by flight Muslim world Al-Andalus. His apostasy constitutes an arresting footnote history Carolingian period, change faith viewed as shocking episode attributed some overly lax policy towards its powerful merchants. Another factor could be ascribed study links with Christianity, which was feature time.
Bodo moved from monastery Rhine, where he went small boy, imperial court, was now gifted scholar groomed for top position. unexpected abandonment Christianity challenged background learning, this seen rebuke court network belonged. left behind growing conflict over succession between emperor, Louis Pious, sons that culminated civil war following emperor’s death. As result, Frankish Empire partitioned into three separate kingdoms 843.
Meanwhile Spain, two years after fleeing world, debated merits Cordoba Albarus Paulus, beleaguered Christian not only airing criticisms but also failings court. In 847 is mentioned annals stirring up opposition Islamic Spain against Christians, asserting they should forced convert or executed. This reported incident may linked significant number self-imposed deaths Christians who, feeling increasingly persecuted, sought provoke Islam denouncing Prophet bringing about their execution.
The experience Bodo’s far unique: other men women who renounced are examined narratives recorded centuries. These episodes offer illuminating religious changes taking place Europe East competed beyond. can part wider phenomenon depicting travelled pilgrims, refugees converts seeking find home escape persecution because beliefs.