Even though they were first brought to
Rome as slaves by Pompei the Great, Jews were much appreciated for their financial and
medical skills during the time of the Roman Empire. in The Middle Ages thei relative
freedom continued; in fact, the anti-Pope Anacletus came from a converted Jewish family.
Systematic persecution began in the 16th century. From 25 July 1556 all the
Jews of Rome were forced to live inside a high - walled enclosure erected on the orders of
Pope Paul IV. The Ghetto was in a particulary unhealthy part of Rome. Inhabitants were
allowed out only during the day. On Sundays they were driven into the church of San't
Angelo in Pescheria to listen Christian sermons a practice abolished only in 1848.
Persecution started again under Fascism, when hundreds were sent to German concetration
campc.
Today Many Jews still live here and the medieval
streets with shops selling typical Roman kosher food, retain much of their old character.
