הרעיון המשיחי והמציאות ההיסטורית בימי הביניים

This paper deals with the interrelations between history and theology as manifested in the study of the messianic idea. On the one hand, historical evidence assists in understanding this idea: the impressions that emerged from the David Alroy affair might have served as a source of inspiration for Maimonidean naturalism. On the other hand, the study of the messianic idea facilitates the understanding of the historical event. Thus, the philosophical background of Shemariah Ikriti suggests that, contrary to what the historians used to think, he has neverpresented himself as a messiah.