It is said that in the fifteenth century the population counted some million of converts--called New Christians, or, in contempt, Marranos: a word which may probably be derived from the Hebrew Maranatha.

These converted Jews, by their ability and wealth, crept into high offices of state, obtained titles of aristocracy, and founded noble houses.

Their daughters were married with large dowers into the best Spanish families; and their younger sons aspired to the honors of the Church.

Castilian society was being penetrated with Jews, many of whom had undoubtedly conformed to Christianity in externals only.

Meanwhile a large section of the Hebrew race remained faithful to their old traditions; and a mixed posterity grew up, which hardly knew whether it was Christian or Jewish, and had opportunity for joining either party.
A fertile field was now opened for Inquisitorial energy.