Archbishop Amulo’s Anti-Jewish Advocacy and the Diet of Epernay (841–842)
In 841, Amulo, the newly appointed Archbishop of Lyon, succeeds Agobard, a longtime advocate of anti-Jewish policies in the Carolingian realm. Upon taking office, Amulo continues his predecessor’s hostility toward Jewish communities, pushing for harsher restrictions and state-sanctioned persecution.
The Letter to King Charles of Aquitaine
- Amulo writes to Charles of Aquitaine, urging him to ratify anti-Jewish measures at the Diet of Epernay (841–842), a Frankish assembly addressing political and ecclesiastical concerns.
- His arguments draw on traditional Christian supersessionist theology, portraying Jews as enemies of Christianity who hold too much economic and social influence.
- He calls for restrictions on Jewish rights, particularly in trade, finance, and public office, reinforcing earlier Carolingian Church policies.
Impact and Consequences
- King Charles does not immediately enforce Amulo’s demands, likely due to pragmatic concerns about disrupting commerce and royal revenues.
- However, Amulo’s letter becomes highly influential, as his justifications for Jewish persecution are widely circulated and adopted by Church authorities.
- His arguments contribute to the long-term institutionalization of anti-Jewish policies in medieval Christendom, influencing Church doctrine, later councils, and local restrictions.
Legacy
Though Amulo does not achieve direct success at the Diet of Epernay, his writings play a pivotal role in shaping medieval Christian attitudes toward Jews. His advocacy helps solidify ecclesiastical opposition to Jewish communities, paving the way for future restrictions and expulsions across medieval Europe.
