The less-discussed character in the Bible is the woman: two talking animals therein have sometimes received more page space. This volume shines the light of close scrutiny in the less-trodden direction and focuses on biblical and allied women, or on the feminine side of Creation. Biblical women are compared to mythical characters from the wider Middle East or from contemporary literature, and feminist/womanist perspectives are discussed alongside traditional and theological perspectives.

The expulsion of the Jews, and later the Muslims from the Iberian Peninsula marked the beginning of a new era in the life of the Mediterranean world. This work discusses the aftermath of these critical historical events that took place in the Mediterranean world in 1492, focusing on the social, economic and cultural consequences, with reference to ethnic groups and religious denominations. They thus integrate Jewish and world history in a wide geographical context.