Jan. 9, 1349- In the wake of the Black Plague, raging throughout Switzerland, poison was reported to have been found in the wells at Zofingen. Some Jews were put to the "Dümeln" (thumbscrews) test, whereupon they "admitted" their guilt of the charges brought against them. This discovery was then communicated to the people of Basel, Zurich, Freiburg-im-Breisgau, and even Cologne. In the medieval town of Basel, Switzerland, where the Jewish community had flourished until 1348, the Christians constructed wooden houses on an island in the Rhine, gathered all the Jews (700) inside them, and burned them alive. Their children, who were spared, were taken and forcibly baptized.
Feb. 5, 1798- After the occupation of Rome by General Berthier, the local republicans dethroned the Pope and Jews removed the yellow badge.