Valentina Di Stefano

Sabina Magrini paleographist. The Contribution for the Study of the Medieval Jewish Cemetery of Bologna

Introduction

Sabina magrini paleographist. The contribution for the study of the medieval jewish cemetery of bologna. Explore the medieval Jewish cemetery of Bologna, a major Italian archaeological discovery. Sabina Magrini's paleographic work reveals its historical significance for Jewish presence.

Abstract

The discovery of the medieval Jewish cemetery of Bologna, which took place between 2012 and 2014 and was announced in 2017, represents a significant achievement in recent Italian archaeology. The site, one of the largest in Europe from this period, bears witness to the historical Jewish presence in the city and to the violent dynamics of memory erasure following the 1569 expulsion. The project combined scientific rigor with ethical sensitivity, culminating in the reburial of the human remains. Particularly noteworthy was the contribution of Sabina Magrini, who provided a key paleographic interpretation of one of the finds, demonstrating the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and the value of collaboration between research and institutions.

Review

This paper presents a compelling account of the medieval Jewish cemetery of Bologna, an archaeological find of immense historical and cultural importance for Italian and European scholarship. The discovery, unearthed between 2012 and 2014 and publicly announced in 2017, unequivocally establishes Bologna as home to one of the largest such sites from the period in Europe. Beyond its sheer scale, the cemetery serves as a poignant testament to the long-standing Jewish presence in the city and, crucially, to the violent historical processes of memory eradication that followed the 1569 expulsion. The authors are to be commended for bringing this crucial narrative to light. A particularly commendable aspect highlighted in the abstract is the pivotal contribution of Sabina Magrini, whose paleographic interpretation of a key find proved instrumental in understanding the site. This specific detail underscores the critical value of interdisciplinary dialogue in complex archaeological projects, demonstrating how specialized expertise can unlock profound insights. Furthermore, the abstract emphasizes the project's admirable commitment to both scientific rigor and ethical sensitivity, culminating in the respectful reburial of human remains. This thoughtful approach sets a high standard for future archaeological endeavors involving sensitive cultural heritage. In sum, the paper promises to be a vital contribution to the study of medieval Jewish history in Italy and beyond. It not only reconstructs a vital piece of erased history but also offers a powerful case study for the collaborative efforts between academic research and institutional bodies. The emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, exemplified by Magrini's work, provides a clear model for best practices in handling multifaceted archaeological discoveries. This work undoubtedly enriches our understanding of medieval European Jewish communities and the lasting impacts of historical prejudice, making it a highly significant publication.

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