A study using ‘bone biographies’ has revealed what life was like for the survivors of the Black Death in medieval England. The study used the bones of 22 individuals who died in the 14th century and analyzed them to understand how the survivors of the plague adapted to the post-plague world.
The study revealed that daily life was likely much different for the survivors than before the plague due to an equalization of the social and economic differences between people. There were also considerable health risks associated with the disease, as the researchers identified an increase in illnesses such as tuberculosis, rickets, and gum disease.
The study also showed that a large portion of the population began to rely on agricultural labor in order to survive. This suggests that the survivors of the plague had to switch to working the land when their previous sources of income were no longer available.
Overall, the study revealed the harsh realities faced by the survivors of the Black Death and highlights the resilient nature of the human spirit. It also provides valuable insight into how medieval society adjusted in the wake of the pandemic.
