Person · 4921–4976 AM · 1161 CE — 1216 CE
Pope Innocent III
The most powerful medieval pope; the Fourth Lateran Council and the badge
Canon 68 of that council (1215) prescribed distinguishing dress for Jews and Muslims, "so that they may be recognized". From this runs the whole later history of the badge: the yellow ring in Italy, the pointed hat in the German lands, the rouelle in France—and, seven centuries on, the yellow star. The same council forbade Jews to hold public office and to exact "excessive" interest from Christians.
His birth year: Britannica gives "1160/61", Wikipedia 22 February 1161.
Sources
Documents of the period
- The Fourth Lateran Council, canon 68 (1215) — distinguishing dress “so that they may be recognized”
Basis: documents and evidence.