Sound & Vision

What We Forgot About the Great Plague

Lessons from the 14th Century that were missed when COVID arrived in the 21st Century.

Associate Professor Dr Patrick Alley, MNZM MBChB FRACS Dip.Prof.Ethics, 2025




































Dr Patrick Alley at work as a vaccinator.

Addressing lessons we may have forgotten when COVID came along, Associate Professor Patrick Alley discusses the legacies of the great plague of the 14th Century (1347-1353), the so-called "black death", which killed 50% of Europe's population. Dr Alley examines his interest in pandemics and the history of their control by public health measures.

Watch his presentation to learn more about what happened, why, and how it relates to life in Aotearoa New Zealand today.

Presentation by Associate Professor Dr Patrick Alley, MNZM MBChB FRACS Dip.Prof.Ethics.

Watch the video to discover lessons from the 14th Century that were missed when COVID arrived in the 21st Century.