Not Just the Tudors Surviving Plague in Venice
Dec 15, 2025
Dr. Jane Stevens-Crawshaw, a historian specializing in Venetian history, dives into how Venice confronted a devastating plague 450 years ago. She reveals the city's innovative quarantine measures, including the establishment of lazaretti, the first quarantine institutions in Europe. The conversation touches on Venice's unique public health strategies, the emotional toll on its citizens, and how these practices influenced modern public health responses. Jane also highlights the balance between commerce and compassion during this tumultuous time.
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Venice Built Health Systems Around Its Geography
- Venice combined maritime commerce with pioneering public health systems to manage plague risk.
- The city's lagoon geography made it vulnerable, so officials developed permanent quarantine islands called Lazaretti.
Permanent Lazaretti Versus Temporary Hospitals
- Venice established permanent Lazaretti very early, from 1423, with two complementary islands for treatment and observation.
- Other European cities sometimes used temporary sites or requisitioned spaces instead of permanent hospitals.
Quarantine's 40 Days Were Symbolic And Practical
- The 40-day quarantine merged religious symbolism with practical health aims for purification and observation.
- Officials later adapted the period pragmatically to reduce costs while retaining perceived effectiveness.