Abstract/Summary

The aim of this thesis is to depict the situation of Jewish culture during the Middle Ages, especially before and during Dante’s lifetime. Starting from Europe and moving to Italy, it will show the extent of these Jewish and Christian interactions, which were already taking place during this epoch, and will discuss the likelihood of Dante taking part in these exchanges. Furthermore, this thesis will underline the personality of Dante Alighieri as a sui generis individual; a poet who, although his ideas were in line with the Zeitgeist of his time, came into contact with Jewish milieus, and interacted with them far from any prejudicial obstacles. These interactions surely left traces on his thoughts and works, as will be shown in this thesis.