What's Happening?
A new academic study has revealed that a key source underpinning the historical narrative of the Black Death's spread was misinterpreted for centuries. The study, published in the Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies, found that a 14th-century Arabic maqāma
by Syrian writer Ibn al-Wardī was mistakenly treated as a factual account of the pandemic's early spread. This misreading influenced scientific models and shaped pandemic historiography. The maqāma, a stylized prose narrative, was intended to capture the psychological and moral dimensions of mass mortality, not to serve as a historical document.
Why It's Important?
The discovery challenges the long-held 'Quick Transit Theory' of the Black Death's spread, which suggested a rapid overland transmission from Central Asia to Europe. This theory has influenced both historical and scientific understandings of the pandemic. By correcting this error, the study prompts a reevaluation of the Black Death's tempo and trajectory, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between literary metaphor and historical fact. The findings also highlight the role of cultural artifacts in shaping historical narratives and underscore the need for critical examination of sources.
Beyond the Headlines
The study reframes the maqāmas as cultural artifacts that provide insight into medieval coping mechanisms during pandemics. These texts reflect how communities processed grief and trauma through narrative and metaphor, offering parallels to modern pandemic-era behaviors. The findings encourage a broader understanding of how artistic creativity can serve as an adaptation strategy in times of crisis. By recognizing the literary nature of these texts, historians can better appreciate their value in understanding the psychological and cultural responses to pandemics.
