Understanding the Black Death and its Impact on Society

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and concepts related to the Black Death and its societal impacts as discussed in the lecture.

Black Death

A devastating plague that struck Europe in the 14th century, killing an estimated 60% of the population in cities like Florence.

Boccaccio

An Italian poet and author who wrote about the societal, emotional, and political impacts of the Black Death in his work, the Decameron.

Scapegoat

A person or group blamed for the problems or misfortunes faced by others; during the Black Death, this often referred to Jews and other marginalized groups.

Flagellants

Religious extremists during the Black Death who believed self-punishment would appease God and stop the plague.

Memento Mori

A Latin phrase that means 'remember that you must die,' emphasizing the inevitability of death and the need for spiritual preparedness.

Astrology

The belief that the positions of stars and planets can influence human events, which some in the Middle Ages attributed health crises to.

Social Fabric

The structure of society, which was severely strained during the Black Death due to high mortality rates and breakdowns in community relations.

Psychological Effects of the Plague

The fear, distrust of doctors, emotional isolation, and abandonment of loved ones experienced by individuals during the Black Death.

Religious Shift

The change in how people viewed Christ during the Black Death, from a distant figure to one associated with human suffering and empathy.

Cadaver Tomb

A burial practice showing corpses in various states of decomposition, highlighting the inevitability of death.