Naples Plague (1656)

Naples Plague (1656)

The Naples Plague (1656) was a devastating epidemic that struck the city of Naples, Italy in 1656. It is considered one of the most severe outbreaks of plague in the 17th century.

Background

In the mid-17th century, Naples was the most populous city in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. However, its dense population, poor sanitation, and the presence of numerous rats and fleas created ideal conditions for the spread of the plague.

Outbreak

The plague arrived in Naples in May 1656, likely brought by soldiers returning from the war in the north. The disease spread rapidly, with the city's crowded and unsanitary conditions facilitating its transmission. By the end of the year, an estimated 150,000 people - half the city's population - had died.

Response and Impact

The response to the plague was slow and ineffective. The city's authorities were unprepared for the scale of the epidemic, and their efforts to contain it were hampered by a lack of understanding of the disease's nature and transmission. The plague had a profound impact on Naples, causing widespread death and suffering, and significantly altering the city's demographic and social structure.

Legacy

The Naples Plague of 1656 is remembered as one of the most devastating epidemics in history. It has been the subject of numerous studies and works of literature, and continues to be a focus of research in the fields of epidemiology and history of medicine.

See Also

• Plague
• Epidemics
• History of Medicine
• History of Naples