The social perception of epidemics in the Middle Ages on the example of the Chronicles of Jan Długosz

Abstract

The author analyzes the descriptions of epidemics in the Chronicles of Jan Długosz in order to gain insight into their perception in society at the time and the importance attributed to them. The annals show that common sense and intuitive knowledge prevented the spread of infections more effectively than medicine cured them. The epidemics were thought to be the result of God’s judgments; astrological explanations or political and social explanations were also attached. In line with the pro-state message of the chronicles, they were seen as one of the challenges Poland faced during the first five hundred years of its existence. The plague metaphor reveals the value system of medieval society

Keywords

• social perception
• plague
• epidemic
• middle ages
• jan długosz