 - 1. Who led the Moorish victory in Iberia in 711?
A) Abd al-Rahman I B) Bodo the Frank C) Tariq ibn Ziyad D) Lucas de Tuy
- 2. Which city was known as 'Granada of the Jews'?
A) Seville B) Córdoba C) Toledo D) Granada
- 3. Who established Umayyad dynasty rule in 755?
A) Lucas de Tuy B) Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada C) Abd al-Rahman I D) Tariq ibn Ziyad
- 4. What status did Jews hold under Muslim rule?
A) Citizens B) Slaves C) Dhimmis D) Nobility
- 5. Which academies influenced Sephardic scholarship during the early period?
A) Córdoba and Seville B) Toledo and Granada C) Amiara and Asturias D) Sura and Pumbedita
- 6. What was the main language of Sephardic science and philosophy by the late 9th century?
A) Latin B) Arabic C) Greek D) Hebrew
- 7. Who was the former deacon that converted to Judaism in 838?
A) Bodo the Frank B) Álvaro of Córdoba C) Lucas de Tuy D) Tariq ibn Ziyad
- 8. Approximately what percentage of the population did Jews make up in al-Andalus?
A) 25% B) 10% C) 50% D) 2%
- 9. According to the Chronicle of Lucas de Tuy, what did the Jews do in Toledo?
A) Informed the Saracens and opened the gates B) Fled to the mountains of Asturias C) Refused to speak with the Moors D) Defended the Church of Saint Leocadia
- 10. How did Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada explain the state of Toledo after the conquest?
A) The Jews had massacred the Catholics B) The city was heavily defended by Catholics C) The city was almost empty of its inhabitants D) The Moors had destroyed all the buildings
- 11. What is the earliest archaeological evidence of Hebrew presence in Iberia according to the text?
A) A synagogue ruin in Tarragona B) A 1st-century amphora from Cádiz C) A bronze coin from the 3rd century BCE D) A 2nd-century gravestone found in Mérida
- 12. Which group's conversion from Arianism to the Nicene Creed caused conditions for Jews to worsen?
A) The Umayyad caliphs B) The Visigothic monarchs C) The Roman emperors D) The Almohad rulers
- 13. What was a consequence of the 1492 Alhambra Decree for those who stayed and converted?
A) They were exiled to Northern Africa B) They were appointed to high political office C) They were granted immediate social equality D) They became 'New Christians' subject to the limpieza de sangre system
- 14. What is a 1924 decree related to regarding Sephardi Jews?
A) The formal expulsion of all remaining Sephardim B) Initiatives to facilitate Spanish citizenship based on ancestry C) A tax levied on Sephardi descendants D) The recognition of Ladino as an official language
- 15. What is the name of the Jewish infant commemorated on a 3rd-century tombstone from Adra?
A) Maria the Spaniard B) Alucius Roscius C) Annia Salomonula D) Sarah bat Abraham
- 16. To which location did Flavius Josephus suggest Herod Antipas was exiled in his later work?
A) Gaul B) Hispania C) Judea D) Egypt
- 17. According to the Council of Elvira, what was forbidden regarding Christian crops?
A) Jews were forbidden from harvesting them B) Jews were forbidden from blessing them C) Jews were forbidden from selling them D) Jews were forbidden from eating them
- 18. What happened to the Jewish population of Menorca in 418 CE?
A) They fled to the Roman Empire to seek protection B) They were forcibly converted following a riot C) They successfully defended their synagogue against an army D) They were granted autonomy by the local bishop
- 19. Why was Jewish life in early medieval Hispania considered more tolerable than in the Byzantine Empire?
A) The Roman administration actively protected Jewish rights B) Jewish leaders held absolute military power C) The Church had difficulty establishing itself in the west D) The Visigoths were staunchly Jewish supporters
- 20. What is the estimated current Jewish population in Spain?
A) 5,000 to 7,000 B) 100,000 to 200,000 C) 10,000 to 15,000 D) 40,000 to 50,000
- 21. What practice of the Synod of Elvira was considered more strictly prohibited than interaction with pagans?
A) Trading with pagans B) Marriage with Jews C) Speaking the Hebrew language D) Building new synagogues
- 22. Which biblical figure is claimed by a 16th-century legend to be buried in Murviedro?
A) Jonathan ben Uzziel B) Adoniram C) Obadiah D) King Solomon
- 23. In which biblical book is the name Sepharad first mentioned?
A) Jeremiah B) Ezekiel C) Obadiah D) I Kings
- 24. How did Jonathan ben Uzziel translate the Hebrew word Sepharad?
A) Alandalus B) Aspamia C) Ṣarfat D) Tarshish
- 25. Which name did Hisdai ibn Shaprut state the Arabs used for the land they called Sepharad?
A) Alandalus B) Tarshish C) Aspamia D) Ṣarfat
- 26. With which ancient location is the biblical Tarshish sometimes associated?
A) Jerusalem B) Khazaria C) Córdoba D) Tartessus
- 27. How did Rabbi David Kimchi identify the location of Sepharad in his commentary on Obadiah?
A) Spain B) Germany C) Italy D) France
- 28. What is the Mishnah, a compendium of Jewish oral laws, associated with?
A) Hisdai ibn Shaprut B) David ben Abraham al-Fasi C) Judah ha-Nasi D) Isaac Abravanel
- 29. Don Isaac Abrabanel claimed that the first Jews to arrive in Spain were brought by a Greek confederate of the king of Babylon named what?
A) Titus B) Espan C) Phiros D) Heracles
- 30. From which of the following figures does the name 'España' derive, according to Abrabanel?
A) Espan B) Titus C) Alaric D) Phiros
- 31. What did Abrabanel suggest was the original meaning of the name Ṭulayṭulah (Toledo)?
A) Wandering B) Safe Haven C) New Zion D) City of Silk
- 32. Which Visigothic king was the first to concern himself with Jews in his laws by adopting Roman codes?
A) Recared B) Sisebut C) Alaric II D) Chintila
- 33. Which Visigothic king issued the first decree requiring mass conversion or expulsion of Jews in 613?
A) Egica B) Wamba C) Sisebut D) Recared
- 34. Who were considered a 'liberating force' by the Jews at the time of the 711 invasion?
A) The Eastern Romans B) The Franks C) The Visigothic nobles D) The Moors
- 35. What was the name of the original pagan name for Toledo according to Abrabanel?
A) Septimania B) Pirisvalle C) Hispania D) Lucena
- 36. Which dynasty was overthrown in 750, leading to the rise of 'Abd al-Raḥmān I?
A) Umayyad B) Fatimid C) Abbasid D) Ottoman
- 37. In what year did 'Abd al-Raḥmān I establish the Emirate of Córdoba?
A) 929 B) 750 C) 756 D) 970
- 38. What position did Ḥasdai ibn Shaprūṭ hold within the Jewish community?
A) Nasi B) Rabbi C) Scribe D) Vizier
- 39. What was the initial area of expertise that led to Ḥasdai ibn Shaprūṭ’s rise?
A) Medicine B) Agriculture C) Architecture D) Military strategy
- 40. Who was appointed to lead the talmudic academy founded by Ḥasdai ibn Shaprūṭ?
A) Helena B) Moses ben Hanoch C) Dunash ben Labraṭ D) Menaḥem ben Saruq
- 41. Which scholar is known as the innovator of Hebrew metrical poetry?
A) Moses ben Hanoch B) Ḥasdai ibn Shaprūṭ C) Dunash ben Labraṭ D) Menaḥem ben Saruq
- 42. Who compiled the first Hebrew dictionary mentioned in the text?
A) Ḥasdai ibn Shaprūṭ B) Moses ben Hanoch C) Dunash ben Labraṭ D) Menaḥem ben Saruq
- 43. To which foreign leader did Ḥasdai ibn Shaprūṭ write, requesting protection for Jews?
A) The Pope B) The Abbasid Caliph C) Princess Helena D) The King of the Khazars
- 44. Which city was one of the centers of the taifa kingdoms where Jews held vizierial positions?
A) Madrid B) Valencia C) Barcelona D) Seville
- 45. How did Samuel ha-Nagid first gain the attention of the court in Granada?
A) Through his extensive trade connections B) Through his refined calligraphy C) Through his medical expertise D) Through his military prowess
- 46. Besides being a vizier, what was one of Samuel ha-Nagid's most significant roles?
A) Military commander B) Chief Rabbi of Seville C) Head of the Inquisition D) Royal treasurer
- 47. Which city was known for having a population that was reportedly entirely Jewish during its heyday?
A) Zaragoza B) Toledo C) Granada D) Lucena
- 48. Which work by Judah Halevi is a fictional dialogue inspired by the conversion of a Khazar king?
A) Libi BaMizrah B) Fons Vitae C) Shirei Tzion D) Kuzari
- 49. Which Berber Muslim dynasty was invited to assist the ruler of Seville in 1085?
A) Almoravids B) Umayyads C) Abbasids D) Almohads
- 50. Who displaced the Almoravids in North Africa?
A) Umayyad loyalists B) Berber rebels C) Almohads D) Christian Crusaders
- 51. By what year had the Almohads taken control of much of Islamic Iberia?
A) 1215 B) 1172 C) 1112 D) 1085
- 52. What choice were Jews and Christians offered by the Almohads?
A) Slavery or military service B) Death or conversion C) Taxes or exile D) Integration or emigration
- 53. What did Christian leaders grant to Jewish communities in reconquered cities?
A) The right to rule the cities B) Exemption from all taxation C) Extensive autonomy D) Full political equality
- 54. Which early Christian ruler issued the fuero of Castrojeriz in 974?
A) The Council of Coyanza B) The King of Leon C) Garcia Fernandez D) Alfonso V
- 55. In what year did the Council of Leon take place?
A) 1085 B) 1020 C) 1050 D) 974
- 56. Which activity was NOT listed as something Jews engaged in while living in Leon?
A) Maritime trade B) Handicrafts C) Viticulture D) Agriculture
- 57. Who presided over the Council of Leon in 1020?
A) The Count of Castile B) Garcia Fernandez C) Alfonso V D) The Bishop of Coyanza
- 58. What distinguished the 40,000 Jews in Alfonso VI's army?
A) Red capes B) White armbands C) Black-and-yellow turbans D) Blue shields
- 59. Which Pope warned Alfonso VI not to permit Jews to rule over Catholics?
A) Gregory VII B) Alexander II C) Paschal II D) Urban II
- 60. What was the name of Alfonso VIII's Jewish lover?
A) Sarah the Wise B) Miriam of Toledo C) Rachel (Fermosa) D) Judith of Leon
- 61. Which group murdered Fermosa and her relatives in Toledo?
A) The Jewish community B) The Moorish army C) The nobility D) The clergy
- 62. Where did Alfonso VII assign dwellings to Jewish fugitives from the Almohades?
A) Sagrajas B) Leon C) Flascala D) Uclés
- 63. In what year did Alfonso VI die?
A) 1166 B) 1147 C) 1109 D) 1085
- 64. In what city did the Crusaders start their violent campaign against Jews in 1212?
A) Valencia B) Madrid C) Aragon D) Toledo
- 65. Who intervened to save the Jews of Toledo from the Crusaders?
A) The Moorish leaders B) The local merchants C) The knights D) The Pope
- 66. What distinguishing item were Jews compelled to wear on their clothing?
A) A red armband B) A cross pin C) A blue hat D) A yellow badge
- 67. What was the official reason given for requiring Jews to wear a badge?
A) To mark them as criminals B) For their own safety C) To prevent them from entering churches D) To identify them for taxation
- 68. How much was the fine for a Jew apprehended without the mandatory badge?
A) Ten gold maravedís B) One hundred gold maravedís C) Five silver coins D) Twenty gold maravedís
- 69. On which day were Jews forbidden to appear in public?
A) Easter Sunday B) Christmas Day C) Every Sunday D) Good Friday
- 70. Approximately how many Jewish communities existed in Catholic Spain around 1300?
A) 50 B) 120 C) 500 D) 1,000
- 71. In which region did the majority of Spanish Jews live around 1300?
A) Castile B) Valencia C) Aragon D) Catalonia
- 72. Which of these individuals served as a court rabbi and chief-tax-farmer?
A) Pope Innocent IV B) Abraham Senior C) Alfonso D) Vidal Taroç
- 73. Who served as the treasurer to Peter of Castile?
A) Samuel ha-Levi B) Peter IV C) Alfonso IV D) Abraham David Taroç
- 74. What did enemies call Peter of Castile's court in derision?
A) A heretic's den B) A Jewish court C) A house of cruelty D) An abandoned fortress
- 75. When did Henry II of Castile and his mob invade the Alcaná of Toledo?
A) 1328 B) 1350 C) 7 May 1355 D) 1360
- 76. Approximately how many Jews were murdered in the Alcaná of Toledo in 1355?
A) 500 B) 5,000 C) 1,200 D) 2,000
- 77. What was the attitude of Henry II toward the Jews of Spain?
A) Highly supportive. B) Indifferent. C) Protective. D) Antagonistic.
- 78. During the civil conflict of 1366, to which king did the Jews remain loyal?
A) John I B) Henry de Trastámara C) Bertrand Du Guesclin D) King Peter
- 79. Which town is mentioned as having a Jewish community known for its many scholars?
A) Jaén B) Villadiego C) Toro D) Burgos
- 80. How many Jewish families from Jaén were taken prisoner to Granada?
A) 50 B) 1,000 C) 300 D) 8,000
- 81. On what date was King Peter beheaded?
A) March 14, 1369 B) March 14, 1371 C) March 14, 1366 D) March 14, 1379
- 82. Who served as Henry II's contador mayor, or chief tax-collector?
A) Samuel Zarza B) Joseph Pichon C) Samuel Abravanel D) Abraham ibn Zarzal
- 83. What was the official reason for the accusation brought against Joseph Pichon?
A) Treason B) Wearing costly garments C) Practicing astrology D) Failure to pay taxes
- 84. What act were Jews no longer permitted to perform regarding their prayer-books under the 1380 enactment?
A) Publicly chanting in the streets B) Translating them into Spanish C) Printing them without royal approval D) Including clauses cursing Catholics
- 85. Which religious figure is credited with inciting the riots in Seville in 1391?
A) Hasdai Crescas B) Moses ibn Ẓarẓal C) Vicente Ferrer D) Ferrand Martínez
- 86. How many Jews were reported killed in the attack on the Judería of Seville on June 6, 1391?
A) 7000 B) 300 C) 4000 D) 2000
- 87. Which city experienced a massacre where 2000 corpses were left in the streets and houses?
A) Valencia B) Córdoba C) Seville D) Barcelona
- 88. Which friar was present during the mass baptism of Jews in Valencia?
A) Vicente Ferrer B) Isaac ben Sheshet C) Asher ben Jehiel D) Ferrand Martínez
- 89. In which city did 800 Jews find refuge in a fort before fleeing to North Africa?
A) Barcelona B) Lérida C) Palma D) Toledo
- 90. Who was the son of Hasdai Crescas who was murdered in the Barcelona riots?
A) Joseph Crescas B) The only son C) He had no son D) Isaac Crescas
- 91. What is the date of the letter written by Don Hasdai Crescas regarding the 1391 events?
A) 15 March 1391 B) 9 October 1390 C) 2 August 1391 D) 19 October 1391
- 92. Where did many Jews settle after leaving Spain due to persecution?
A) North Africa B) France C) England D) Italy
- 93. What profession was Solomon ha-Levi, also known as Paul de Santa Maria, formerly associated with before his conversion?
A) Scholar B) Architect C) Sailor D) Soldier
- 94. What area of study saw a resurgence among Spanish Jews in the early 15th century due to forced conversions?
A) Kabbalah B) Astronomy C) Philosophy D) Mathematics
- 95. How long were Jews given to move into enclosed Juderías after the 1412 order?
A) Two weeks B) Eight days C) One year D) One month
- 96. Under the 1412 law, what title were Jews prohibited from using?
A) Merchant B) Rabbi C) Doctor D) Don
- 97. What document was issued by Benedict on 11 May 1415?
A) A city ordinance B) A royal decree C) A letter of safe conduct D) A Papal bull
- 98. How often were Jews over the age of twelve required to listen to a Catholic sermon?
A) Once a month B) Once a week C) Once a year D) Thrice a year
- 99. Which specific book were Jews forbidden from reading by the 1415 Papal bull?
A) The Mishnah B) The Bible C) The Torah D) Macellum
- 100. In what year did Isabella I of Castile ascend the throne?
A) 1474 B) 1479 C) 1470 D) 1480
|