Identidade e alteridade judaica em Roma

Abstract

Based on a COlpUS 01" archaeological and epigraphic documents and on an amount 01' literary information, that covers the period fi'om the I" century b.C. lo the III"' century A.D., we have concludeel that the Roman Diaspora was one of the biggest Jewish centres outside Isráel, in Antiquily. Although Jews voluntarily maintaineel their marks or ethnic and religious exclusiveness, the available data show us that, to a certain point, they were well inserteel in Roman society and world. The use or Greek as daily language anel the I"requent use 01" L'ltin names can prove it. But, the same Jews desire to keep up Jewish appearances, by maintaining their practices, tlle same tl1at marks tlle diflerence belween tl1em anel the Romanitas. Among tl1ese, we can find monotlleism, aniconism, circumcision, proselytising and the Sabbatl1 issue. By pointing them and criticising them, tlle Greek and Roman autl10rs are marking and showing tl1e Otherness 01' tlle Jews. ln tllese sources, we can understand the leveIs 01' Jewish identity and otllerness, and how tlle Jews have inserted tllemselves, or not, in the Roman sociel)' and world. So, by studying this problem we are looking at the first centuries 01' Jewish installation in what becanle Europe and tlle way Lhey were seen.