The Jews of Chios (1049): A Group of Excusati

A historical analysis reveals that the Jewish families of Chios, granted to the monastery of Nea Moni by Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos in 1049, were subject to a chrysobull that perpetuated their rent payments for housing on monastic property. This arrangement was not intended to restrict their freedom but served as a mechanism to ensure continued compensation for tax exemptions granted to the monastery. The study, led by scholars including Professor David Jacoby, examines imperial decrees and confirms that this obligation was later reaffirmed by Constantine X Doukas in 1062, solidifying the Jews' status as 'Excusati'—those excused from certain duties while bound to monastic authority.

Oikonomides, N., & Zachariadou, E. (2023). The Jews of Chios (1049): A Group of Excusati. Social and Economic Life in Byzantium, XV218–XV225. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003418528-15