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Plague epidemic. Source: Matrioshka / Adobe Stock.

From Horror to Hope: Surviving the Black Plague (Video)

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The Black Death, a pandemic that ravaged humanity in the Middle Ages, left a harrowing mark on history. Millions of people succumbed to the plague, and nearly half of Europe's population perished. Amidst the chaos and despair, people sought ways to survive the disease, but their chances were slim. How did they cope with the overwhelming sense of dread, and who did they blame when they fell ill?

The truth is grim: bubonic plague showed no mercy, sparing no one, not even the wealthy and powerful. But people did have some options. From avoiding urban areas and avoiding the remains of the dead to moving to a city with strong plague laws, many Europeans did everything they could to avoid this deadly plague. Others chose to live their lives to the fullest and go out eating, drinking and being merry. This is how people lived day-to-day during the plague.

Top image: Plague epidemic. Source: Matrioshka / Adobe Stock.

By Robbie Mitchell

 

Comments

Pete Wagner's picture

The symptoms of the Black Death were similar to arsenic poisoning, giving credibility to the alternative theory that they just poisoned the wells, then called it a disease.  But why was the plague called ‘black’?  Black was NOT the color of those dead.  Was it the hair color of poisoners?  Something to think about.

Nobody gets paid to tell the truth.

Robbie Mitchell's picture

Robbie

I’m a graduate of History and Literature from The University of Manchester in England and a total history geek. Since a young age, I’ve been obsessed with history. The weirder the better. I spend my days working as a freelance... Read More

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