The Black Death in history was the most horrifying pandemics recorded. The victims who succumbed to the Black Death were close to two hundred million persons in Eurasia alone. The most affected regions identified were Europe and Asia. The effects of the Black Death were devastating to the extent that the world population reduced drastically. On the other hand, history records that it took close to eight decades for the lost lives and population to be recovered. Besides the massive deaths caused by the plague, the consequences of the pandemic were observed in the economy, politics, social, biological and religious aspects.
Five Most Important Events from the Period
A myriad of events that are considered very vital took place during this period. According to the historical records, the plague hit Europe in 1347 s in October. Ideally, at the Sicilian port of Messina arrived twelve ships. The surprising observation was the realization that most sailors aboard were dead. As for those who were still alive, their condition health-wise was disturbing. They had black boils all over their bodies which were oozing blood and pus. The scene of dead bodies and ailed persons in the arrived ships cause the authorities to order the ships out of the Sicilian harbour. Unfortunately, the authority's move was so late and as a result, the locals of the Sicilian harbour contacted the plague which caused the death of close to twenty million individuals within five years.
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The identified events during this period were very important since they not only affected the individuals and region then but the current affairs especially on trade, health, political and social aspects. For instance, the arrival of the twelve ships was a norm and the locals were expecting to receive the traders. The sight of dead and severely ill sailors, moved the locals to rescue the survived sailors. Unfortunately, all of them died after a week and later had infected those who had come to contact with them. Despite the efforts of the Sicilian authorities to drive the ‘black ships’ away from their harbour, it was too late for the condition had already infested the locals. Historians indicate that the pestilence was heard of around 1340 where it had spread along the trade routes (Plague, 2019). Some of the affected regions at this time were India, Persia, China, Egypt and Syria. The condition of the black plague’s patients was the development of big swollen boils the sizes of apples and eggs. The boils appeared more on the lymphatic areas and would turn black and seeped pus and blood.
Most Relevant Themes
Various scholars have a distinct elaboration of the themes that were depicted during the black death period. For instance, the most crucial theme is the fact that mortality is real and ever-present in any living creature. The massive deaths of people across the affected regions was devastating to the extent of hurting the economy, political and social aspects. Another vital theme is the identification that humanity is fragile (Jacobs, 2013). The lack of proper knowledge in handling the plague was a high contributor to the deaths of people, hence the drastic reduction of the population that took decades to recover. Since even the biologists were not aware and informed of the plague, the attitudes and assumptions of the Westerners and affected regions were that the pandemic was a punishment to man because of sins. Black Death was a conviction that it was a divine punishment due to the increased cases of greed, heresy, blasphemy, and fornication among other worldliness.
Most Surprising Information
Before, the realization that the black plague was a bacterial pandemic, the form of treatments that were being used were astonishing. For instance, some individuals would make use of onions and other herbs by rubbing them on the affected areas. The availability of a chopped snake was a plus since it was used as well. Some practitioners would offer patients vinegar, mercury and arsenic to drink as a form of treatment. For those who had a belief that the pandemic was a divine punishment, they would whip themselves on processions. Such practices changed my perception of the medieval period where medical practices were not as advanced and informed.
History Quotes
Many historical men and women came up with quotes that defined specific events and experiences. Some of these quotes were and are still to educate people on specific subjects that affected humanity and other social aspects. One of the historical quotes discussed is that of Martin Luther - ‘We are not makers of history. We are made by history.’ From this, quote there are immense meanings that are important and of great influence to the people globally (Black Death, 2019). For instance, Martin Luther was encouraging people to come up with innovative ideas without relying on the past but focusing on the influence of the future. The quote is an implication that a trend in the modern word indicated a sparsity of great ideas among people. In a different scope, through the quote, Martin Luther was also encouraging people to build on past events to heighten the well-being of the future and status of individuals. The Black Death is recorded as the most horrifying pandemic that affected the globe and specifically Europe trade routes. The rate of mortality during this period was extremely high to the extent of reduction of the population by half globally. Biological researches helped in finding better treatment and care to the victims. The use of antibiotics and isolation helped in curbing, treating and prevention of the ailment.
First Response
Franck Steve, for sure modern medicine has come a long way in advancement and improvement of healthcare. On the other hand, I agree on your thought that humans have the mandate to rely on God over every condition especially the extreme ones. The lack of information on the Black Death ignited the belief that the ailment was a punishment from God.
Second Response
Leah, it’s interesting how most historical events have influenced the present days. The Black Death for sure did have extreme devastating effects to the future days. Yes, Martin Luther has perfectly expounded further on outline. It’s a pleasure having you consider listing my reflections.
Third Response:
I totally agree with Delilah that Black Death had a significant consequences especially in the mid-fourteen century. Black Death is considered as the worse disaster to ever occur in the Europe which lead to deaths of one third and one half of the entire European population.
Fourth Response:
It’s true according to Lionel Gaston this must be a very difficult moment and great state of confusion to many since no one had an idea of what was happening. The plague was viewed by many as to have brought about by the sins which they might have committed and thus was a form of punishment from God.
References
Black Death. (2019). Retrieved 7 December 2019, from https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/black-death
Jacobs, J. (2002). Can gun control work? New York: Oxford University Press.
Plague. (2019). Retrieved 7 December 2019, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/plague
