Sage und Geschichte
Legend and History

Author(s): Samuel Steinherz
Subject(s): Cultural history, Jewish studies, Local History / Microhistory, Social history
Published by: CEEOL Collections / Digital Reproductions
Keywords: Emek Habacha; David Gans; Maximilian II; Ferdinand I;
Summary/Abstract: Among the thousands of tombstones from the 15th to the 18th century, the old Jewish cemetery in Prague contains a 1592 stone dedicated to Mardochai Kohen and his son Bezalel. The inscription on the tombstone dedicated to Mardochai reads: "Here lies a righteous, head and chief; he often obviated expulsions, gave up his life, moved to Rome, and convinced the pope to absolve the emperor from his oath." These words go far beyond the praise that is common in epitaphs. In succinct brevity, they describe Mardochai as a man who has done amazing things. He, a Jew of Prague, acted on the head of Christendom; he appointed the pope to discharge the emperor of his oath. Which pope and which emperor are meant here?

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