HI101 Lecture : b Oct 7
Document Summary
Dust-veils and pandemics: the sixth century and the end of antiquity. What impact did the major natural catastrophies of late antiquity have on european and near. Do they constitute a clear break between the late antique and medieval worlds. The 536 dust-veil event (some sort of cataclysmic event that puts ash in the air, globally) Blue-coloured sun (had been going on for a year) {bubonic (typical), pneumonic plague (virulent, spread through coughing)} Traveled with plague, sees whole towns wiped out. Nobody in fields harvesting (dangerous to survivors as well. The plague: political and social consequences in byzantium. Did somewhat understand contagion (didn"t know what caused it, didn"t quarantine) Used guard towers, cast ships off with bodies (mediterranean) 50-60% mortality rate between 541 and 7th century. Marseilles entry point for plague, trading extensively with the east. Welcomed in pre-christian rituals in response to plague. Rats and snakes symbols of apollo medius, punished with plague.
