The historical review Hérault studies a new issue is released dedicated to epidemics in Hérault. We discover that in Saint-André-de-Sangonis, all the precautions taken by the authorities made it possible to prevent the plague from ravaging the village.
The year has just ended. The fight against the coronavirus will have been the global concern of 2020. Each of us will have witnessed the means implemented to limit the epidemic, the establishment of containments or trial and error to best manage a crisis that may seem unique. Yet this is not the first time in history that a large-scale epidemic has wreaked havoc. In France at several times, the country had to fight against such a scourge.
From 1721, Saint-André confined himself and avoided the worst
The biannual review devotes a large part of its latest issue to epidemics in Hérault. There are various articles devoted to the plague of 1720 and its consequences in the department, but also to smallpox in the 19th century and the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-1919.
One of these articles entitled “Saint-André-de-Sangonis and the contagious disease of 1720”, focuses on our town. The author, Michel-Édouard Bellet, both heritage curator and Saint-Andréen, endeavored to trace, from the municipal archives, the management of the plague in 1721 in the village and beyond.
Barriers, prohibitions and passes
We discover that Languedoc is getting organized to resist the plague from Marseille and how the villages protect themselves. Containment, barriers, bans, passes, all of this is already being used to fight against disease.
Our knowledge has improved a lot, but in the face of this kind of adversity it is surprising to find quite similar reactions, even if the penalties applied to law breakers were much more severe in the 18th century.
The review is to be recommended to history lovers who can obtain it on order by writing to [email protected] or by mail: Maison départementale des sports, 66 place Égalité, 34080 Montpellier.
Free Midi Correspondent: 06 27 64 45 31.
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