Le Grand Saint-Antoine's Cargo

Abstract

In this chapter, a renowned historical case study is explored, focusing on the resurgence of the plague in 18th-century Europe. The center stage is occupied by the port of Marseille in this narrative, as a contaminated cargo ship from the Levant inadvertently brought back the dreaded disease. Despite the implementation of effective protective measures across Europe since the Renaissance, all existing protocols mysteriously managed to be evaded by this particular vessel and its valuable cargo. The rapid spread of the plague is argued by researchers to be directly attributed to an instance of “crime of the powerful.” It is emphasized by the authors that corruption, contrary to the prevailing notion that it is a victimless crime, can have devastating consequences in extreme cases like this, leading to tens of thousands of deaths.