Reuveni (Reubeni), David

(fl. 16th cent)

   Italian adventurer. He claimed to be the son of a King Solomon and brother of a King Joseph, who ruled the lost tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh in the desert of Habor. After travelling through Palestine and Egypt, he appeared in Venice in 1523. Later he settled in Rome, and Pope Clement VII gave him letters of recommendation. In 1525-7 he lived in Portugal, where he was greeted by marranos (including Solomon Molcho) who believed him to be the herald of the Messiah. In 1532 he and Molcho appeared before Charles V. Molcho was burned at the stake, and Reuveni was taken to Spain where he died. He left a diary which records these events.