Jewish Life and Forced Conversions in Sixth-Century Frankish Gaul

Throughout the sixth century, the Jewish communities of Frankish Gaul experience a period of relative tolerance and prosperity, particularly under the Merovingian rulers of Austrasia. Jews hold positions of influence, engaging in commerce, medicine, law, and even military service. They interact freely with Christians, and intermarriages are not uncommon.

However, by the later sixth century, increasing ecclesiastical power and shifting political dynamics lead to episodes of persecution and forced conversion, culminating in the Clermont riots of 576 CE.

1. Early Tolerance and Favorable Relations with Frankish Rulers

• Jews are active in trade and finance, particularly as shipowners and merchants on the rivers and seas of Gaul.
• Many Jewish physicians and judges are respected in Frankish society, holding prominent positions.
• Frankish rulers of Austrasia, particularly Theuderic I, Theudebert I, and Theudebald, pursue pro-Jewish policies.
  • Theudebert and Theudebald allow Bishop Gallus of Clermont, who was favored by the Jewish community, to remain in his position.
  • When Gallus dies in 551 CE, Jews openly mourn his passing and support Cautinus, a candidate for bishop.
  • In Uzés, Theudebald appoints Bishop Ferreolus, another known supporter of Jewish rights.

2. The Rise of Anti-Jewish Sentiment and Forced Conversions

• The death of Theudebald in 555 CE marks a turning point. His kingdom is divided between Chlothar I and Childebert I, weakening Jewish protections.
• Childebert exiles Ferreolus, the pro-Jewish Bishop of Uzés, and Jewish influence in the court begins to wane.
• Chramm, Chlothar’s rebellious son, seizes Clermont in alliance with Childebert but is opposed by Bishop Cautinus, leading to further instability.

3. The Clermont Riots and Mass Conversions (576 CE)

• Upon Cautinus' death in 572, a struggle for the bishopric of Clermont ensues.
• The Jewish community supports Euphrasius, but King Sigebert I of Austrasia appoints Avitus of Auvergne.
• Avitus is zealous in converting Jews, using force or coercion.

The Easter Incident (April 5, 576 CE)

• On Easter Day, a Jew converts to Christianity and joins a religious procession.
• A Jewish bystander sprinkles rancid oil on the new convert, provoking an angry mob of Christians.
• The mob attempts to stone the offender, but Bishop Avitus intervenes, preventing immediate violence.

The Destruction of the Synagogue and Forced Baptisms (May 14–18, 576 CE)

• On Ascension Day (May 14, 576 CE), a Christian mob destroys the synagogue in Clermont.
• The following day, Avitus gives the Jewish community an ultimatum:
  • Convert to Christianity or
  • Face expulsion from the city.
• According to Gregory of Tours, the Jewish community hesitates for three days, during which:
  • Many Jews are attacked in their homes.
  • Some are killed in mob violence.
• On May 18, 576 CE, over 500 Jews accept baptism to avoid expulsion or death.
• The remaining Jews flee the city, migrating to regions where they might find greater tolerance.

4. The Role of Pope Gregory I and Later Policies

• While forced conversions become more frequent, Pope Gregory I (r. 590–604 CE) later exhorts Frankish clergy and rulers against using force in converting Jews.
• However, this does not halt the increasing pressure on Jewish communities throughout Merovingian Gaul, as the Church gains greater political power.

5. Conclusion: A Transition from Tolerance to Persecution

• The sixth century begins with relative tolerance, as Jewish merchants, scholars, and officials integrate into Frankish society.
• However, by the 570s, rising ecclesiastical power and royal instability lead to violent anti-Jewish riots and forced conversions.
• The Clermont incident of 576 CE is a turning point, illustrating the growing religious intolerance that will later intensify in medieval France and beyond.

These events foreshadow the increasing marginalization of Jews in Christian Europe, culminating in later medieval expulsions and restrictions across the continent.