From the Inquisition Pyre to Insertion into the Church: The Familial and Social Trajectory of Hernando Ortiz, a Jewish Convert in the Spanish Empire in the 16th Century

This is a study of the trajectory Jewish converso who had brilliant career at University Mexico in 16th century: he received degrees from faculties arts, theology and law was professor for more than 28 years. He gained prestige earned respect his fellow citizens, participated monarchical politics an active member society, becoming elected bishop Guatemala. However, when tried to become judge Inquisition, thorough investigation revealed ancestry back Iberian Peninsula, causing come halt. Further inquiry that grandmother been burned by Inquisition accused being Judaizer around 1481; nephews nieces managed, 1625, obtain letter vouching “cleanliness blood” family. Furthermore, founded entailed estate Oaxaca forbade heir entail marry into community. The university factor facilitated their integration, but reminded them its limits. denied ancestors became part society New Spain. We have here well-documented case represents possible existence many others.