Epidemics were a common occurrence throughout the history of the Ottoman Empire. The city of Athens was generally free from large public health issues during Ottoman occupation, however, in 1789 many of the citizens became concerned when they learned other areas of the empire were suffering from a plague. As the epidemic spread, many elder citizens recommended reviving the Ritual of Periarosis to protect against the epidemic (periarosis is an ancient Greek word for farming plow). A procession was planned to circle the city, passing by ancient columns that according…
