Credit Networks of Prague Jewish Financiers during the First Two Decades of the Seventeenth Century
Credit Networks of Prague Jewish Financiers during the First Two Decades of the Seventeenth Century

Summary/Abstract: The topic of Jewish finance and trade in earlier historiography was encumbered by a number of clichés, derived primarily not only from prejudicial attitudes towards the Jewish population, but also often from a lack of understanding of the functioning of the early modern system of long-distance and local trade, and of the principles of financial transactions. Research conducted over recent decades in the Czech Republic and at a number of institutions in other countries has repeatedly shown that the economic activities of the Jews cannot be interpreted merely in the narrow context of Jewish community life. On the contrary, at issue is a factor that contributed in varying degrees to the overall form of the financial and religious relations that existed in the early modern period. Drawing on the examples of five Jewish financiers who were active in Prague at the end of the 16th century and in the first two decades of the 17th, this study aims to set out the wide range of different financial instruments that were employed by Jews and Christians when negotiating loans. Attention is paid to the development of legislation on lending that was in force in the Kingdom of Bohemia during the 16th century. The legislative conditions for Jewish and Christian lenders are contrasted with the lending practices of the day, as recorded in the testimonies of witnesses at the Court of the Supreme Burgraviate of Prague. An analysis of specific examples of credit transactions between Jews and Christians demonstrates the various ways in which loans were negotiated and repaid, and highlights the diverse network of various client relationships among Prague Jews, burghers, aristocratic owners of large estates, and holders of provincial and court offices.

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