Part 1- Sephardic Jews of Spain
An historical account whose effect on its people would silence an entire peninsula for 500 yrs!
Archaelogical findings discovered in the South of Spain revealed Jewish remains dating as far back as the third century. Historians believe the Romans could have possibly imported Jewish slaves into the peninsula and that others may have accompanied the Roman legions as tradesmen after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 A.D.
The Roman Empire fell in 476 and it wasn’t until the beginning of the 4th century and the Visigoth invasion of Spain that Jewish communities began to develop and engage in trade and agriculture, they were liked and considered as true allies by the Arians. The Visigoth occupation of Spain lasted for four centuries although in 589 they converted to Christendom and their treatment towards the Jews began to change, causing many difficulties.