TED-ED: Mysteries of vernacular: Quarantine - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

The video explains the concept of quarantine, originating from the 14th century during the Bubonic Plague in Europe. It describes how the port city of Ragusa implemented isolation measures for ships to prevent disease spread. The term 'quarantine' comes from the Italian word 'quaranta', meaning forty, referring to the 40-day isolation period. Over time, the term expanded to describe any form of isolation, not just for plague-related cases.

What was the purpose of quarantine during the Bubonic Plague?

How did the city of Ragusa implement quarantine measures?

What was the official period of isolation set for ships and crews in 1397?

From which Italian word is the term 'quarantine' derived, and what does it mean?

By the mid-1600s, how was the term 'quarantine' used beyond its original context?