⚡Dubrovnik: The Birthplace of Quarantine ⚡

How Dubrovnik’s Quarantine Law Changed History

Did you know that Dubrovnik (formerly Ragusa) was the first city in the world to implement a quarantine?

In 1377, Dubrovnik’s government mandated a “trentino” ─ a 30-day isolation period for sailors and traders arriving from plague-affected regions, wanting to prevent the spread of the disease (Veniens de locis pestiferis non intret Ragusium nel districtum).

This was followed by prolonging the period to 40 days, which gave rise to the term “quarantine,” from the Italian word “quaranta,” meaning “forty.”

The Lazareti complex, built outside the city, became a key quarantine station, ensuring both the economy and public health of the Republic of Ragusa were protected.

This flashfact is a reference to my JourneyJots post:

Old City of Dubrovnik: More Than Just King’s Landing

And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕