I will give a short and non-exhaustive list of wealthy and influential Jews that existed in pre-French Revolution Europe due to their de facto monopoly on interest.

Jews began amassing and compounding wealth as soon as Christianity became dominant in Europe.

- England -
Aaron of Lincoln (d. 1186) – Wealthy banker and financier throughout the Angevin Empire. He was the wealthiest man in 12th-century England, having more money than the king himself. He financed many wars, such as Strongbow’s invasion of Ireland.

Benedict of York (d. 1189) – Another rich moneylender. He was close to King Richard I and attended his coronation. Debts to him were still being paid even a decade after his death.

Licoricia of Winchester (d. 1277) – Rich Jewish woman who gave loans to the king.

- France -
Isaac the Jew (d. 836) – Became a wealthy merchant before being promoted to one of Charlemagne’s top diplomats. Amassed extreme wealth over his life.

Abraham of Saragossa (d. 9th century) – He was born in Muslim controlled Spain, but eventually moved and settled in the kingdom of the Franks. There he received (around 835) a privilegium from Louis the Pious, one of the three extant privileges granted to Jewish merchants by a Carolingian monarch. It became the standard for succeeding privileges, including the following aspects: court oaths and trial procedures, services and representation, right to trade, and imperial protection. According to this privilege, Abraham entrusted himself to the emperor in a manner similar to a royal vassal.

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