Review Essay: Beyond Eurocentric Histories of Plague

A critical shift in plague studies reveals the interconnected microbial and human histories of Mediterranean port cities, challenging Eurocentric narratives. This review essay synthesizes three key works—focusing on Dubrovnik (Ragusa), Venice, and Seville—that collectively illuminate shared plague experiences despite divergent administrative responses. The analysis highlights the 'microbial unification' of the early modern era, where these cities, as part of a tightly knit Mediterranean biome, exemplify global pathogen spread and its devastating impacts. Crawshaw's study on Venetian plague hospitals (lazaretti) stands out for its detailed reconstruction of public health efforts, including the world's first permanent plague hospital established in 1423, offering unprecedented insight into the lived experiences of victims and the organizational responses of health officials.

Varlık, N. (2017). Review Essay: Beyond Eurocentric Histories of Plague. Early Science and Medicine, 22(4), 361–373. https://doi.org/10.1163/15733823-00224p04