The unification of the globe by disease (14th-17th centuries) - II. the Americas and Oceania

by Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie

Smallpox outbreak in Mexico in the 16th century (Florentine Codex). 
...in the very last years of the 15th century and during the next hundred, or at least fifty years, the processes of epidemic contagion took a giant step westwards, across the Atlantic. From this time on, large tracts of the American continent felt the impact of “unification;” its devastating properties were experienced on a scale beyond anything Europe had known, shocking though that had been. To discuss this apocalyptic event in the history of America, obviously we must consult the work of Woodrow Borah.
Borah, of Berkeley University, California, revised, or it would be more correct to say, demolished the theories of Soetber, a fellow historian who refused to believe that any post-Conquest catastrophe had taken place in Mexico...

The Americas and Oceania (go to article in pdf)


"...It started during Tepeilhuitl [the 13th month of the solar calendar], when a vast human devastation spread over everyone. Some were covered in pustules, which spread everywhere, on people’s faces, heads, chests, etc. There was great loss of life; many people died of it.
They could not walk anymore. They just lay in bed in their homes. They could not move anymore, could not shift themselves, could not sit up or stretch out on their sides. They could not lay flat on their backs or even face down. If they even stirred, they screamed out in pain.
Many died of hunger, too. They starved because no one was left to care for the others; no one could attend to anyone else. On some people, the pustules were few and far between. They caused little discomfort, and those folks did not die. Still others had their faces marred.
By Panquetzaliztli [the 15th month of the solar year], it began to fade. At that time the brave warriors of the Mexica managed to recover..."

Florentine Codex : Book 12 

"Do not be a fool..."

Advice to the Aztec Ruler in the time of an epidemic:

"...Sickness will arrive during your time. How will it be when the city becomes, is made, a place of desolation? Just how will it be when everything lies in darkness, despair? You will also go rushing to your death right then and there. In an instant, you will be over..."

"...Do not be a fool. Do not rush your words, do not interrupt or confuse people. Instead find, grasp, arrive at the truth. Make no one weep. Cause no sadness. Injure no one. Do not show rage or frighten folks. Do not create a scandal or speak with vanity. Do not ridicule. For vain words and mockery are no longer your office. Never, of your own will, make yourself less, diminished. Bring no scorn upon the nation, its leadership, the government.

Retract your teeth and claws. Gladden your people. Unite them, humor them, please them. Make your nation happy. Help each find their proper place. That way you’ll be esteemed, renowned. And when our Lord extinguishes you, the old ones will weep and sigh..."

Florentine Codex: Book 6

Translated from the Nahuatl by DAVID BOWLES, from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

See original article in Zocalo

See also:

The Unification of the Globe by disease (14th-17th centuries) - I.- Asia and Europe