  Not very much is known of Falaquera’s life, apart from his writings. Most scholars believe that Falaquera was born and lived in Spain, but even this is not known with certainty (see Jospe, Torah and Sophia, 2–4). His approximate year of birth is calculated from his comment in Sefer ha-Mevaqqesh (9; trans. 2), written in October-November 1263 (Heshvan 5024), that he had passed the midpoint of seventy years and was approaching his fortieth year. His year of death is estimated from references in his last known writing, the letter in defense of Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed.  The “midpoint” of life, mentioned by Falaquera in Sefer ha-Mevaqqesh, may have had some significance for him. He explains there (11; trans. 5):