Austria’s Plague
Vienna is a gorgeous city with a very interesting history. It is worth staying at the Innsbruck hotel for a few days for its many attractions. While taking in the best Austria has to offer, do not forget to do your research on a difficult time in European history. In the gravest of times, Austria rose above its neighbours.
In years 1348- 1350, the epidemic of the ‘Black Death’ hit its peak in Europe. The plague, as it became referred to, swept across Europe and Asia through fleas that were transported on the backs of rats. This pandemic is thought to have killed an estimated 30-60% of the European population in a few short years. Approximately 25 million Chinese were also killed. It is thought that the outbreak was caused by an infection with the bacterium, Yersinia pestis, which grew readily in fleas and could be easily transmitted to humans through bites. Different theories exist however disputing the true culprit of this horrible plague.
The disease was characterized by a high fever and the vomiting of blood. Commonly reported symptoms included buboes that appeared in the groin, armpits and neck, freckle-like rash, and respiratory problems. Death usually occurred between two to seven days.
So, precisely why did I say that Austria was unique during these tragic years? For a very strange reason, in fact. It was one of the few cities across Europe that did not blame minorities including religious groups, lepers, foreigners and beggars for this tragedy. The tolerance amongst inhabitants made their country a refuge for many groups of people suffering persecution, social isolation and death during such very difficult times.
Hotels Vienna receives many tourists throughout the year as a renowned city, but keep your eyes open for the progression that citizens carry to present day. The diversity of its people must be felt and experienced to believe.
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