Jewish Life in Medieval Rothenburg – Research Project

The research project examines Jewish everyday and social history in Rothenburg ob der Tauber from the 13th century to the expulsion in the early 16th century.

In the Middle Ages, Rothenburg was an important centre of Jewish life. While legal and persecution-related aspects have been widely studied, a coherent account of everyday life, social structures, and cultural practice is still lacking.

The project systematically evaluates written sources, archaeological findings, and material evidence, including inscriptions from around fifty medieval gravestones, and places them in a new historical context.

The research makes a fundamental contribution to German-Jewish history in Bavaria and provides a basis for future museum presentation and public engagement.

The project is initiated by the City of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and realised in cooperation with the Ilse Blank-Mezger-Hesselberger Foundation.

> Website Rothenburg ob der Tauber, “Jewish history”