Jewish roots along the Rhine

Over the course of the 10th century, the cities of Speyer, Worms and Mainz develop into important trade centres. Long-distance traders from Italy and southern France are also attracted to the area along the Rhine River due to the positive economic and personal prospects available there. The Emperor and bishops promote such settlements by offering privileges as well as feudal and episcopal protection. By the mid-10th century at the latest, a Jewish community is formed in Mainz, followed by communities in Worms in around 1000 and Speyer in 1084. In the Middle Ages, this group of three Jewish communities represents the religious and cultural centre of Judaism in Europe north of the Alps. This area is still referred to as Ashkenaz today.