Converso

As Converso (Pl. conversos ) were referred to in the Spanish and Portuguese -speaking countries to the Catholic Christianity converted Jews and their descendants. Converts from the Muslim population who converted from Islam to Catholicism, were, however, as Moriscos ( in German: Moorish ) refers.

Initially Conversos were alone by the act of choice as excellent Christians. In most cases, however, the conversion took place under duress and the Conversos were often suspected of carrying on its ancient religion. From the 13th century an increasing anti-Semitism against the New Christians was ( cristianos nuevos span / cristãos novos port.) felt. These tensions, which also served the economic interests of the Old Christians ( cristianos viejos span / cristãos - Velhos port.), finally led to the end of the Middle Ages in a persecution of conversos by the Inquisition.

Converso and Marrano are in today's research, the common names for Judeoconversos Iberian origin and their descendants.