• History -> Middle Ages and Feudalism

• 0 Comment

Were there any individuals or organizations that were able to fight against the spread of the Bubonic Plague during the Middle Ages?

Adrienne McCleverty

During the Middle Ages, the Bubonic Plague was one of the deadliest diseases that spread throughout Europe and Asia. It is estimated that the disease killed up to 200 million people worldwide. Despite the severity of the plague, there were a few individuals and organizations that were able to fight against its spread.

One of the most notable figures was Saint Roch. He was a French pilgrim who travelled through Italy during the 14th century. During his travels, he came across several plague-infested towns and cities. However, he managed to cure the infected individuals using his prayers and the sign of the cross. Saint Roch is known as the patron saint of plagues and epidemics due to his miraculous healings.

Another individual who fought against the spread of the Bubonic Plague was William Shakespeare. The famous playwright was a victim of the black death himself, but he managed to survive. During his lifetime, he witnessed the horror of the disease and how it affected society. He incorporated his observations into his plays, such as the scene in Romeo and Juliet where Friar Lawrence quarantines the characters during a plague epidemic. By including these themes in his plays, Shakespeare was able to raise awareness about the importance of preventing the spread of the disease.

On the organizational level, several groups such as the Venetian Health Board made significant efforts to contain the plague. The Venetian Health Board was established in 1348 by the Venetian government in response to the black death outbreak. The board was responsible for checking the incoming ships for any signs of infection, isolating sick individuals, and implementing quarantine measures. Through these efforts, the board was able to prevent the spread of the disease beyond the Venetian region.

Finally, the development of medical science during the Middle Ages paved the way for finding treatments and cures for the disease. For example, a French physician named Guy de Chauliac used mercury as a treatment for the bubonic plague. Although mercury is now known to be toxic, de Chauliac's discovery was a significant step towards finding a cure for the disease.

In conclusion, while the Bubonic Plague was a devastating disease that claimed millions of lives during the Middle Ages, there were still some individuals and organizations who were able to fight against its spread. These efforts ranged from the miraculous healings of Saint Roch to the quarantining measures implemented by the Venetian Health Board. Ultimately, the development of medical science played a significant role in finding treatments and cures for the disease.