plague – Plagues and Peoples: Health and Disease in Medieval Europe

East Smithfield Plague Cemetery

By Veronica B. East Smithfield represents one of the largest proven plague cemeteries in Europe. When the Black Death reached London in November of 1348, London’s population was estimated to have been about 45,000 – 80,000 people. By the time the plague burned out in London, during the early months of 1350, 30-50% of theContinue reading “East Smithfield Plague Cemetery”

Modern Plague

By Sophia G. Though revolutionary modern technology and protocols have helped to combat the spread of plagues and epidemics, there are still parts of the world that experience outbreaks of disease. The United States Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) releases their peer-reviewed journal Emerging Infectious Diseaseswith each case of disease outbreak around the world,Continue reading “Modern Plague”

Boccaccio and The Decameron

By Francesca S. The opening line of The Decamerongives a succinct overview of the plot of the work and alludes to Boccaccio’s own opinion on the significance of The Decameron: “Here begins the book called Decameron, otherwise known as Prince Galahalt, wherein are contained a hundred stories, told in ten days by seven ladies and three young men.”[1] BoccaccioContinue reading “Boccaccio and The Decameron”

Saint Roque

By Sally B. According to an anonymous and undated Acta Breviora, St. Roque was born in Montpellier around 1295 as the only son of a wealthy governor. Deeply pious since his youth, St. Roque later “gave his inheritance to the poor, [and] handed the government of the city over to his uncle” after the death ofContinue reading “Saint Roque”

The Plague of Justinian

By John O. The “Plague of Justinian” is the name given to the disease that spread throughoutthe Eastern Roman Empire from 541-543 CE. It is named as such because it occurred during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (r. 527-565 CE), amidst his efforts to restore the glory of the Roman Empire.[1] Widespread militaryContinue reading “The Plague of Justinian”