The plague in Spain in the middle of the 17th century (1647-1654). Prophylatic measures and commercial repercussions

Abstract

In the middle years of the 17th century,coinciding with a generalized crisis,an important epidemic of bubonic plague broke out in the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula. This study analyzes its extension,chronology and most especially the measures taken by the local agents and by the State for its contention and subsequent eradication,as well as the temporary paralysis that this episode implied for the commercial activity in some places. Special attention is paid to the mobility control systems -for both people and goods-,that during these acute episodes,temporally implemented the measures taken by the regional powers and the Forales («autonomous») territories customs. As a result,a dynamic evolution is observed in which intermingle economic,political-administrative,and assistance factors that,despite its limitations,favoured the plague contention in the Mediterranean arch preventing,to a large extent,its spread to the interior of the Peninsula. © 2020 Ediciones Doyma,S.L.. All rights reserved.