Main description (English)

Between the beginning of the 15th century and the first quarter of the 16th century the city of Rome grew significantly, both demographically and economically. Yet this long period was marred by a series of epidemic events, which represented an obstacle to growth. The author quickly reviews the epidemics that hit Rome in that period, providing references to narrative and archival sources. He offers some brief reflections on the perception of the plague by the Romans (who seem to be suspended between devotion and superstition, between the desire to escape and to trust in improbable antidotes), looking for their self-expression in both published and unpublished sources, and presents common opinions on the origins, causes and modes of contagion, as well as on prevention and possible solutions. The article concludes with a reflection on the theme of public gratitude towards those who sacrified themselves or their eco nomic interests for the good of all.