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CHAPTER IX THE DUTCH JERUSALEM THE settlement of the Marranos in the Low Countries, contrary to the general impression, goes back to a comparatively early date. From the beginning of the sixteenth century, the region had been dynastically associated with Spain. Antwerp was moreover, at this time, the greatest port of northern Europe. It was therefore inevitable that it should have offered considerable attraction to the New Christians of Spain and Portugal, who found there both commercial opportunity and freedom from persecution. Hence they began to settle in the city at least as early as 1512. With the approach of persecution in Portugal, the stream of migration increased. As we have seen, recent converts were forbidden to leave that country without special license. If the object of the journey were Turkey or some other Moslem country, where the opportunity would certainly be taken to revert to Judaism, the requisite permission would unquestionably be refused. Hence an increasing number of the refugees used a round-about route, obtaining permission to proceed to the untainted parts to the north, from where they made their way overland to Salonica or some other haven of refuge. Thus the emigration directed to Antwerp increased; and in 1526, new arrivals were empowered to remain in the city for a period not exceeding thirty days. Besides those who passed through the city en route
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