Epidemics

In the early 18^th century a four-year epidemic claimed countless victims on the island. The disease in question was the bubonic plague, which had struck Crete repeatedly since Byzantine times. In 1706 the island lay in total quarantine, as shipping was halted for six whole months. Outbreaks were more frequent in Ottoman times, mainly because ships coming from ports in the East called at the harbour, as in 1780, when a Venetian ship brought the plague from Constantinople.

Whenever epidemics broke out, the town would be deserted, as people either barred themselves indoors or fled to the countryside. Maritime transport would be disrupted, no ships would call into port, trade would paralyse and difficulties would arise in getting supplies into the town.