Samuel ibn Seneh Zarza

Samuel ibn Seneh Zarza was a Spanish philosopher of the 14th century, residing in Palencia during the latter half of the century. His surname is believed to be derived from the Spanish town of Zarza, equivalent to the Hebrew term "seneh," as suggested by Leopold Zunz. Despite his presence in historical records, specific details about his life remain unknown. A notable claim regarding his death, allegedly at the hands of the Valencia tribunal due to accusations of denying the creation of the world, has been disproven by historians as a legend.

As a philosopher, Zarza authored two known works, which, although not highly influential, earned him a respectable reputation among his contemporaries. His standing in the intellectual community of his time is evident in the tributes paid to him by notable figures, including the poet Solomon Reubeni of Barcelona and the astronomer Isaac ibn Al-Ḥadib, who composed poems in his honor. While his writings may not have had a profound impact, Zarza's esteem among his peers reflects his contributions to the philosophical discourse of his era.