Seforimchatter The Woman who Defied Kings: Doña Gracia Nasi (1510 - 1569) (with Andrée Aelion Brooks)
6 snips
Sep 7, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Andrée Aelion Brooks, a journalist and author, dives into the remarkable life of Doña Gracia Nasi, a 16th-century Jewish figure. She explores Doña Gracia's rise from a wealthy converso family to becoming a powerful banker and advocate for Jewish refugees. The conversation touches on her escape from persecution, her influential network in Antwerp, and her eventual sanctuary in the Ottoman Empire. Brooks also highlights the historical neglect of Doña Gracia and her contributions, giving listeners a fresh perspective on this fascinating historical figure.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Life And Strategic Marriage
- Born in Lisbon in 1510, Doña Gracia came from a wealthy converso family and received a broad Renaissance education.
- She married Francisco Mendes, a powerful merchant, and later inherited and ran his vast business network after his death.
Widowhood As Power
- Widowhood gave Doña Gracia legal and financial independence that marriage would have removed under European law.
- She deliberately remained unmarried to retain control of assets and decisions for her network and daughter.
Escape To Antwerp Using Papal Pass
- Doña Gracia obtained papal safe-conduct and left Portugal for Antwerp with her daughter and relatives, promising the king she'd return.
- The king agreed for the money, but she never returned, using legal cover to escape royal claims.
