The Gate and the origins of Jewish history in Bamberg
The Jewish history of Bamberg dates back to the 11th century. Historical sources show that the Jewish community of Bamberg was large in the 12th century compared to other cities. In fact, the Jews in late medieval Bamberg lived largely undisturbed at first. Although this form of tolerance was unusual in the Christian Middle Ages, it was by no means unthinkable.
Even influential church fathers such as Augustine spoke out against killing Jews. Instead, they were to appear as witnesses at the Last Judgement and then be judged for their crimes against Jesus Christ.
This idea can also be found in the 13th century Last Judgement representation on the Princes’ Portal.Here Jesus Christ judges people and sends even aristocrats and clergymen to hell. Noteworthy are also the two statues on the sides of the gate, which symbolize Christianity and Judaism in the medieval world point of view. While the Christian Ecclesia wears a crown and stands on the paradise side of the Princes’ Portal, the medieval artists portrayed the Jewish Synagogue blindfolded on the side of the damned. In her hand she holds a broken rod, symbolizing the end of her reign.
Unfortunately these statues are merely copies: The originals have been severely damaged by wind erosion over the centuries.
