<P> Jews formed an iota, yet significant ethnic minority in the Iberian Peninsula, constituting about 5% of the total population in Al - Andalus . They began to settle in the Iberian Peninsula in significant numbers around the 1st century AD . Under Christian Visigothic rule, Jews faced persecution . In 613, the Visigothic King Sisebut issued a decree which forced Jews to convert to Christianity or be exiled and have their property confiscated . It comes as no surprise that many Jews welcomed their Muslim rulers and saw the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula as deliverance . After the conquest, under Islamic law, Jews were also categorized as dhimmis, having the same social standing as Christians . The Jewish communities scattered throughout the rural areas of Al - Andalus remained fairly isolated, however Jews living in cities and towns, like those in Cordoba that became integrated into Islamic culture and society . </P> <P> Jews came to hold very influential positions in the Umayyad bureaucracy . One example is the Jewish scholar and physician Hasdai b . Sharprut, who served as a diplomat of the Umayyad government . Many Jews living in the cities also became involved in trade as merchants . Under the Caliphate of Cordoba, Jews experienced (A Golden Age of Jewish Culture) within Spain, in which Jewish scholars, philosophers, and poets prospered . Jews also contributed to the scientific and mathematic fields of study prominent in Cordoba at this time . Overall, Jews were granted better treatment, with the coming of the Muslims invaders, than they had previously experience under Christian rule . Conditions deteriorated under Almoravid and Almohad rule (see Restrictions Imposed on Christians and Jews). </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (May 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (May 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr>

Who tolerated religions and customs of conquered peoples