Middle Ages

15 Weird Ways People Tried to Survive the Black Plague

Trista - July 6, 2025

The Black Plague swept through Europe in the mid-14th century, killing tens of millions in its ruthless path. Cities emptied, families vanished overnight, and fear gripped every corner of society. With medicine primitive and superstition rampant, people clung to any hope of survival—no matter how bizarre. From strange diets to dangerous rituals, the desperate measures adopted were often as deadly as the disease itself. These weird survival attempts reveal both the terror and creativity of a world gripped by panic.

NEXT >>

1. Wearing Beak-Shaped Masks

Plague doctors became infamous for their peculiar beak-shaped masks. The long, curved “beak” held aromatic herbs, spices, or vinegar-soaked sponges, thought to ward off the deadly miasma—poisonous air believed to spread the plague. While these masks have become an eerie symbol of the Black Death, they offered little real protection against the bacteria. Still, the haunting image endures, a testament to the lengths people would go for survival. Read more about plague doctor masks

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. Burning Aromatic Herbs

Many believed that smoke from burning herbs like rosemary, juniper, and lavender could purify the air and drive away the plague. People filled their homes with fragrant smoke or even carried smoldering herbs through the streets. While this practice may have masked unpleasant odors, it provided no real protection. Still, the sweet-smelling haze was a desperate attempt to feel safe amid chaos. Learn more about plague rituals

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. Flagellation Rituals

Driven by the belief that the plague was divine punishment, groups known as flagellants marched from town to town, publicly whipping themselves in dramatic processions. They hoped this self-inflicted pain would earn God’s forgiveness and end the suffering. Ironically, these gatherings often made things worse, spreading disease wherever they went. Eventually, frightened authorities banned flagellant rituals, fearing the chaos and contagion they brought. More on the flagellants and the Black Death

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Fumigating With Vinegar and Onions

Another widespread remedy involved hanging onions or carrying sponges soaked in vinegar. Some believed these pungent odors could cleanse the air and keep plague at bay. People would even wave them in front of their faces while walking through the streets. Despite its popularity, this method offered no real defense but illustrates the creative—and desperate—attempts at survival. Discover more unusual plague cures

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. Quarantine Ships (Lazarettos)

In an early form of disease control, Venetian authorities established lazarettos—isolation stations for ships and travelers. Anyone arriving from plague-stricken areas was required to remain isolated for forty days, a period that gave rise to the word quarantine (from the Italian “quaranta,” meaning forty). While not a perfect system, this practice did slow the spread of the plague and laid the groundwork for modern quarantine measures. Learn more about the history of quarantine

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. Avoiding Bathing

In an odd twist, many believed that bathing made you more vulnerable to the plague by opening the skin’s pores. As a result, people avoided washing themselves for weeks or even months. Unfortunately, this practice only worsened living conditions and likely contributed to the rapid spread of disease. Why medieval people shunned bathing

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Carrying Lucky Charms and Amulets

In a world ruled by fear and uncertainty, many people turned to charms, amulets, and religious relics for protection. Some wore small bags containing written prayers, while others clung to dried toads or bones as magical defenses against the plague. Though these items couldn’t stop the disease, they offered a sense of hope and control during chaotic times. Read about magic in medieval medicine

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. Drinking Potions of Mercury and Arsenic

In their desperation, some people turned to potions made with mercury or arsenic, convinced these powerful substances could drive out the plague. Medieval apothecaries sold these dangerous remedies, promising miraculous recoveries. Sadly, such treatments were not only ineffective but also highly toxic, often causing severe illness—or even death. The use of poisonous metals highlights just how far people would go in search of hope. Explore more on medieval medical practices

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. Bloodletting and Leeches

Guided by the humoral theory, medieval physicians believed the plague stemmed from an imbalance of bodily fluids. Bloodletting and leech therapy were standard treatments, intended to draw out “bad blood” and restore health. Unfortunately, these procedures did far more harm than good—often leaving patients even weaker and more susceptible to infection. More about bloodletting in medical history

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Avoiding Fresh Air

Fearing that fresh air was laced with plague, many people tightly sealed their homes—shutting windows, doors, and even chimneys. This practice was meant to keep out the so-called “bad air,” but in reality, it trapped families in poorly ventilated, disease-ridden spaces. Ironically, this attempt at protection often made conditions even more hazardous. Read more about Black Death medicine myths

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Killing Stray Cats and Dogs

In an effort to halt the spread of the plague, authorities ordered the mass killing of stray cats and dogs, mistakenly believing these animals were to blame for the outbreak. This policy backfired, as it led to a rise in the rat population—the true carriers of plague-infested fleas. By disrupting the natural balance, this measure tragically worsened the crisis. Learn more about the origins of the plague

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. Living in Complete Darkness

In a bid to protect themselves, some families blocked out all sunlight and lived in total darkness, convinced that daylight could worsen the plague’s effects. This extreme isolation had no scientific basis and only added to the misery and fear people experienced. Explore more medieval plague beliefs

<< Previous

NEXT >>

13. Burning Clothes and Bedding

Out of fear that possessions carried the plague, people burned the clothes and bedding of those who were sick or had died. This drastic action sometimes helped eliminate sources of infection, such as fleas. However, it left many survivors destitute and without basic necessities, compounding their suffering. Find out more about plague transmission

<< Previous

NEXT >>

14. Applying Dried Feces or Dead Animals

In one of the most bizarre approaches, some healers applied dried human feces or even placed dead animals—such as pigeons—directly onto plague sores, known as buboes. The hope was that these unpleasant substances would “draw out” the toxins or poisons causing illness. Rooted in the humoral theory, these treatments often led to further infection and suffering. Read more about strange plague remedies

<< Previous

NEXT >>

15. Fleeing to the Countryside

As panic gripped cities, many wealthy individuals fled to rural estates, convinced that isolation could protect them from the plague. While some managed to avoid infection, others unknowingly carried the disease with them, spreading it to previously untouched villages. This mass exodus highlights how fear and privilege shaped the movement—and sometimes the fate—of entire communities. Discover more about the Black Death’s impact

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Conclusion

The bizarre methods people used to survive the Black Plague reveal a world gripped by fear, superstition, and desperation. With little understanding of disease, communities turned to anything that offered hope—no matter how strange or risky. Yet, even amid chaos, these experiences sparked the beginnings of modern public health, from quarantine practices to improved sanitation. The legacy of the plague endures, reminding us how societies adapt in the face of the unknown.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Disclaimer

This article is intended for historical and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified professionals for health concerns. Explore history to learn, not to treat!

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }

<< Previous