The Portuguese Conspiracy
In 1640, the Duque de Braganca (King Joao IV) succeeded in throwing off Spanish rule in Portugal. Portuguese settlers were now seen as potential subversives. In Lima, the Inquisition conducted a … Continue reading
Portuguese Crypto-Jews in New Spain
Crypto-Jewish activity in New Spain is often characterized as a Portuguese Crypto-Jewish phenomenon. I Mexican Inquisitional documents note the following: 73% descended from Portuguese born grandfathers 57% from Portuguese born … Continue reading
Simon Vaez de Sevilla
This is the third of what I refer to as mini-posts that will focus on facts related to Crypto-Jews/Conversos in the New World. Born in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia … Continue reading
Diego y Gonzalo de Morales and the Mexican Inquisition
Gonzalo had arrived in the Indies 1520s. Gonzalo eventually owned a store in Mexico City. He was initially arrested by Fray Vicente de Santa Maria in his capacity as Inquisitor … Continue reading
The Memoirs of Luis Carvajal
For the first time in more than seventy-five years, the memoirs of perhaps the most famous Crypto-Jew , Luis Carvajal el Mozo are on display. The memoirs, measuring only three … Continue reading
