Ancient/Medieval Jewish History

The heads of the academies in Babylon became the incontestable leaders of the Jewish world.

Pirates and plague loomed, and prized possessions sold for a pittance.

For the most part, Jews dressed like their neighbors. But some trends were outlawed by rabbis.

Marriage, money, and religious education.

There has been much speculation about the famous and controversial explorer's origins.

Attitudes toward and contributions to medieval science.

Iranian Jewry under the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Head of the school of Pumbedita during the Geonic Age.

Marriage in ancient times was a negotiated match involving an agreement on conditions and payment of a bridal price.

Jewish law guided marriage, divorce, and child-rearing in the ancient world.

Take a look inside the places that Abraham, King David, Queen Esther and other biblical characters are said to have been buried.

This ancient queen converted to Judaism and is mentioned in both Josephus’ "Antiquities" and rabbinic literature.