Having banned them from all professions, Pope Paul IV used Jews as slave laborers in Rome
Pope Paul IV implemented severe restrictions on Jews, banning them from various professions and condemning them to marginalization. Instead of allowing them to participate in society as equal members, he exploited Jewish populations, forcing them into slave labor within Rome. This reflects the broader societal attitudes towards Jews during the Renaissance, where they were often viewed through a lens of prejudice and oppression. In "The Ugly Renaissance: Sex, Greed, Violence and Depravity in an Age of Beauty," author Alexander Lee examines this dark chapter of history. The book highlights the contrast between the perceived beauty of the Renaissance and the underlying exploitation, violence, and moral decay that characterized the era, revealing the harsh realities that many marginalized groups faced.
