1492 can be defined as an annus horribilis (Latin for “horrible year”) for the Sicilian Jews.
It was when a thriving community, present since ancient times and growing over time to become a large part of the island’s population, was chased from the island.
Isabella and Ferdinand II of Aragon issued a decree expelling the Jews from all their properties, including in Sicily.
In the summer of 1492 the Jews were faced with the choice to leave Sicily or stay and convert to Catholicism.
