Benjamin of Tudela
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Middle Ages
- Categories: Literature, Publishing, Geography
- Subcategories: Authors, Writers, Historians, Judaism, Jews, Synagogues, Temples
- Curriculum: Medieval History/Middle Ages, Spanish/Portuguese History
Article abstract: Benjamin’s account of his travels presents the best record available of the number, the leaders, and the social, religious, and economic conditions of the Jews in southern Europe and the Middle East during the twelfth century. At the same time, he provides the best documentation of trade and commerce in these areas in the period between the Second and Third Crusades.
Early Life
All that can be learned of the life of Rabbi Benjamin ben Jonah of Tudela is found in his only surviving literary work, Massa’ot (c. 1173; The...
[The entire page is 2146 words long]