Hugo von Reutlingen

In the wake of the Black Death, the society of medieval Europe underwent a wrenching self-examination, searching for causes as well as some means to prevent the plague from ever occurring again. Since the medical causes of the plague were unknown, people looked for answers elsewhere, particularly in the realm of the spiritual life. Priests and clergymen delivered sermons to inspire the faithful to a better life, while thousands of people joined religious orders to dedicate themselves completely to the service of God. To do penance for the sins of the world, and to head off future visitations of the plague, the sect of flagellants arose in 1349. Members wandered in large groups along the roads of Europe, whipping and scourging themselves in public squares in expiation for the sins of the world.

In the following...