An innovator in the history of Judaism: Vittore Colorni between law, politics, and economics

Abstract

This article analyses the work of Vittore Colorni (Mantua, 1912-2005), jurist and historian of Italian Judaism, highlighting his contribution to the renewal of studies on Jews in the medieval, early modern and modern ages. Through a broad survey of his main works, the article highlights how Colorni was an early pioneer in inter­twining legal history, economic history and political history, overcoming sectoral approaches and traditional interpretations of the Jewish diaspora. Attention is paid to the role attributed to sources produced within Jewish communities, the analysis of interactions between minorities and state powers, and the interpretation of regu­latory conflicts as a key to understanding the processes of integration and autonomy. The innovative nature of Colorni’s work emerges above all in his reinterpretation of economic and credit activities and their connection with the structures of common law and community self-government. In this way, Jewish history is restored as an integral part of European history, in a long-term perspective that combines the local dimension with continental comparison.