Twelve Genoese galleys dock at Messina in 1347 carrying rats, fleas, and Yersinia pestis…. and within weeks Europe is looking for someone to blame. Spoiler: it’s the Jews. Also the beggars. Also, possibly, the planets. Pope Clement VI tries to point out that Jews are dying of the plague too, which you’d think would settle the matter.
Episode file · 243
Blame the Jews (The Plague Made Them Do It) – The Renaissance #243
Subscribe
Free preview
Want the full hour?
This is the free preview. Members get the complete episode, the back catalogue, and the premium feed — pick whatever tier your conscience can carry.
Show notes