Essay on Medieval Outlook on the Bubonic Plague - 1448 Words

The Medieval Outlook on the Bubonic Plague The Black Death was a major factor in the history of Europe as well as the history of the world. Rivaling the effects of an immense bioterrorist attack, the Black Death was responsible for the taking of over 25 million lives. Creating economic, societal, and medical changes, the Black Death forced Europe to essentially recreate its entire groundwork. At the time of the Black Death, medicine remained very archaic, and European society scrambled to find a cure to this mysterious disease. This study ponders the effects of medieval methods of treatment on this once ravaging disease. The Middle Ages was a dark time for the people of Europe. As the Black Death reigned during the mid-14nth century,†¦show more content†¦This version of the plague is contagious. Because of the various changes in the behavior of the plague, people seemed to catch the disease The plague not only wreaked havoc on Medieval Outlook on the Bubonic Plague 2 social order but also catalyzed theories and new methods of treatments which ranged from bizarre to deadly. The science field and the Roman Catholic Church created various theories and much of these new methods of treatment?none of which succeeded. Their inability to create a cure stimulated an end to the all-powerful reign of the Church as well as the disillusionment in the very system which governed the people?resulting in not only extreme population changes in Europe but the path of history itself. During the Middle Ages, science was not emphasized and doctors retained many of the same beliefs held by their predecessors centuries ago. Therefore, the medicines they used were herbal and passed down from generations. Although these herbal remedies, such as wormwood and lungwort, had some merit and cured stomachaches and headaches, they were insufficient in curing the bubonic plague. Another ancient practice was bloodletting, which was common during the Greco-Roman times. The doctors of the medieval times believed that four different liquids controlled the body (1). Developed by the Greek philosopher Galen, the theory held that the body was controlled by four fluid?black bile, yellow bile, blood, and phlegm. Each fluidShow MoreRelatedThe Medieval Machine : The Industrial Revolution Of The Middle Ages1377 Words   |  6 Pages The Medieval world has a certain connotation to its meaning. People throughout time have found the era synonymous with negativity. It has often been referenced to as the middle or dark ages lending people the view of a world with little to no progress along human advancement. We often paint the picture of medieval Europe with kings, queens, lords and peasants. 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