Converso Families and Sodomy Trials in Early Modern Spain

• In Event: Jewish and Queer Identities and Narratives

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of two distinct case studies from sixteenth century Spain, focusing on the intersection of Jewish heritage and sexuality within the complex socio-religious context of the nascent empire. The first case study examines the trial of Mencía Velasquez, a Catholic convert from Judaism, whose husband Nuño, also a converso, faced accusations of sodomy and subsequently fled. Mencía sued to reclaim her property, which was confiscated along with her husbands'.

The second case study centres on Isabel Alvarez, whose brother, rumoured to be a converso, was accused of sodomy and died in prison during trial. Isabel sued those who 'defamed' her brother by spreading those rumours.

Utilising these case studies, the paper explores the impact these accusations had on the accused's family; the disparities in the gendering of Old Christian and converso men and the impact they could have on such accusations; and the influence of religious and ethnic backgrounds on legal strategies and trial outcomes. Finally, it analyses the parallels between the constructions of inherited religious "taint" and societal perceptions of illegitimate sexual behaviour as a potentially inheritable trait.

The paper delves into the lived experiences and constructions of sexual and gender differences beyond elite educated discourse, examining how these intersected with different religious identities in a time of deep and wide-ranging social and religious change.

Author

• Maayan Aner, University of Oxford