The article explores the multifaceted role of poison in the Middle Ages, highlighting its influence in medicine, politics, and literature. The fourteenth century marked a transformation in understanding toxins, driven by scholars like Avicenna, who emphasized experiential learning in toxicology. Epidemics, notably the Black Death, spurred interest in poisons and their association with disease. Politically, poison became a notable tool for intrigue and assassination, with various cases illustrated, particularly in Sicilian history. Overall, poison's legacy continues to shape cultural narratives, signifying the era's fears and fascinations with toxicity.
The medieval approach to poison transformed significantly, being influenced by ancient texts and Arabic translations, especially in the pivotal fourteenth century with Avicenna's contributions.
The increased interest in poisons during the fourteenth century was spurred by major epidemics like the Black Death, connecting venoms and diseases in public speculation.
Poison's role as a political weapon, gaining significance towards the end of the Middle Ages, reveals numerous emblematic cases, especially in powerful regions like Sicily.
Historical narratives depict poison as more than merely a means of assassination, showcasing its cultural impact reflected in literature, myths, and medieval medical practices.
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