Where did the dead bodies go during black death?

The Black Death, one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, took a tremendous toll on communities across Europe, Asia, and North Africa during the 14th century. The sheer magnitude of deaths posed significant challenges in managing the large number of dead bodies. Here are some of the methods employed to dispose of the deceased during the Black Death:

1. Mass Graves: Given the overwhelming number of victims, mass graves were commonly used as a practical and efficient means to bury the deceased. These burial pits could hold hundreds or even thousands of bodies. As the death toll mounted, new mass graves were continuously dug outside the boundaries of cities and settlements.

2. Plague Pits: In certain cases, specially designated areas known as plague pits were created specifically for the burial of plague victims. These pits or trenches were often located outside city walls, away from residential areas. Lime was sometimes added to the pits as a disinfectant.

3. Churchyards and Cemeteries: Traditional burial grounds, such as churchyards and cemeteries, were also utilized, but they often became overwhelmed by the influx of the dead.

4. Houses and Buildings: In some instances, deceased individuals were buried within their own homes or in nearby buildings due to the extreme circumstances and the inability to handle the sheer volume of bodies efficiently.

5. Burning: In certain regions, authorities resorted to burning the dead as an alternative to traditional burial due to the overwhelming numbers. This practice was considered a means to prevent the spread of the disease.

6. Floating Burials: In coastal regions, particularly in densely populated areas near waterways, bodies were sometimes placed in boats and set adrift to be carried away by the currents. This method was used as a last resort to dispose of the dead when other options were exhausted.

7. Temporary Burial: Due to the high mortality rates, some dead bodies were temporarily stored in makeshift locations until appropriate burial could be arranged when the pandemic abated.

It's important to note that the disposal methods during the Black Death varied across different regions and cultures. Additionally, the limited resources, the immense scale of the tragedy, and the fear and panic surrounding the pandemic inevitably led to inconsistencies and variations in burial practices.