Case study: the Black Death

Question 1

What was the Black Death?

Answer 1

A serious epidemic of primarily bubonic plague that killed ⅓ of the population between 1348 and 1350. The main symptom was growing buboes (huge, pus-filled blisters) in the armpit or groin.

Question 2

Name 3 things people thought caused the Black Death.

Answer 2

1) God deserting mankind due to sin
2) Miasma
3) The Jewish population

Question 3

Name 5 ways people prevented the Black Death.

Answer 3

1) Praying
2) Fasting
3) Escaping urban areas
4) Self-flagellation (whipping yourself)
5) Quarantining the sick.

Question 4

Name 3 ways people treated the Black Death.

Answer 4

1) Phlebotomy and purging (which made it worse)
2) Herbal remedies (myrrh, therica)
3) Purifying air by burning incense, herbs and vinegar, or lighting fires.