Years: 1437–1508
Primary city: Lisbon
Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel was a statesman, philosopher, and financier who served the royal courts of Portugal and Spain. He was a leader of the Jewish community during the 1492 Spanish Expulsion, which he attempted to avert through diplomatic efforts. His commentary on the Tanakh is known for its lengthy introductions to each book, which address historical and philosophical questions. Following the expulsion, his works like Yeshuos Meshicho explored themes of messianism.