The myth of Jews killing Christian children emerged in 1144 CE, with the death of a boy named William in Norwich, England. Over the course of several centuries, this myth gained traction and became firmly rooted throughout medieval and early modern Europe. In Blood Libel: On the Trail of an Antisemitic Myth (Harvard University Press, 2020), Magda Teter traces the history of this myth and analyzes how accusations of ritual murder have followed Jews from the 12th century to the contemporary period.

Magda Teter is Professor of History and Shvidler Chair in Judaic Studies at Fordham University.

Lindsey Jackson is a PhD student at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices