Contagion of Violence in 1391—Genesis in Castile
摘要
This chapter, and the following two, describe the events of 1391, with a specific focus on the manner in which the rapid dissemination of information and rumour, combined on occasion with the movement of groups from place to place, contributed to the rapid spread of violence between towns and cities and across territorial borders. Key to the course of events in each location was the official response—by the crown, local royal officers and municipal authorities—and the make-up and motivations of the rioters. The extraordinary contagion left an indelible mark, in terms of mortality, forced conversions and emigration, with the diminution and even disappearance of entire communities.