Hoard of medieval Hebrew manuscript fragments in Spain

A Spanish historical archive has found what may constitute the largest collection of ancient Hebrew manuscripts in Europe on discovering fragments of medieval texts stuffed inside the covers of books.

"It's too early to say just yet as we're not sure how many there are but it could be the most important in Europe," said Josep Matas, director of the Provincial Historic Archive of the northeastern town of Girona where the documents were found.

Girona was one of the most important Jewish population centers in Spain prior to the expulsion of all non-Catholics in 1492 by the Catholic rulers Isabel and Ferdinand. Matas believes the town once had some 700 Jews.

Posted by David on March 20, 2003 1:52 PM