Juodoji mirtis XVI–XVIII a. Kaune
The Black Death in Kaunas in the 16th-18th Centuries

Summary/Abstract: War, plague, fire and famine were the greatest scourges of the old cities. The citizens prayed for the God’s protection against these disasters as well as stayed on the alert in order to foresee their coming. However, quite often even several misfortunes would come along, ruining the lives of the helpless citizens. This article aims to analyze the condition of health protection in Kaunas in the 16th-18th centuries, drawing on the analysis of the proceedings and acts of Kaunas magistrate, church documents and hospital cases. The most detailed account of the medical condition in Kaunas in the 16th-18th centuries has been found in the works of Bagdonavičius. Also, the research of Kiaupa, Kamuntavičienė and other historians has been especially relevant. The plague, or the Black Death, was caused by poor hygiene and health protection, crop failure, famine, and/or wars. As the sources mention only the length of the epidemic, the wills made or the quarrels solved in the chaotic situation of disaster, it is impossible to calculate the precise number of the victims. Although the life of the city was paralyzed during the epidemic, the fight against the disaster and its consequences was pursued by the clergy and hospital workers. Together with the barbers and chemists they were the daily health guardians of the city of the 16th-18th centuries.

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