Portugal's Jewish Legacy: The Rise and Fall of the Lisbon Synagogue

In this episode of The History of Portugal, Lucas and Luna explore the rich but often overlooked history of Portugal's Jewish community, focusing on the rise and eventual destruction of the great Lisbon Synagogue. They discuss the golden age of Jewish scholarship under King Afonso IV, the community's prosperity in the Alfama district, and the devastating impact of the 1497 forced conversion and the massacre of 1506. The conversation delves into the lives of notable figures like Isaac Abrabanel, a scholar and financier, and the tragic fate of the crypto-Jews who secretly maintained their faith. Lucas explains how the Inquisition targeted these 'New Christians,' leading to a diaspora that spread Sephardic culture across Europe and the Ottoman Empire. The episode also touches on the recent rehabilitation of the Jewish community in Portugal, including the construction of the new Lisbon synagogue in 1904. This is a story of resilience, loss, and the lasting impact of a community that helped shape Portugal's Golden Age. #History #Portugal #JewishHistory #Sephardic #Lisbon #Synagogue #Inquisition #CryptoJews #IsaacAbrabanel #Alfama #1506Massacre #NewChristians #Diaspora #FexingoHistory #PortugalGoldenAge #JewishQuarter #Tolerance #Heritage Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo