Epidemic and Empire

In 1892, a cholera epidemic swept across the Russian Empire. It claimed 200,000 lives and was part of a global pandemic (the 7th cholera pandemic of the 19th century).

This exhibit is a collection of 23 projects that explore the spatial history of the late tsarist empire using the epidemic as a focal point. We grounded out projects in Frank Clemow's classic 1893 study of the epidemic. From there we tracked down historical maps, first-hand accounts, newspaper articles, and other materials that shed light on how to assess the challenges of mobility, disease, and social transformation across the Russian Empire. 

Each project presents cartographic evidence (in other words, a map) and a narrative. Rather than write in the familiar genre of the history paper, we composed podcast episodes. On each project page you will find an audio file and the accompanying script. 

Get ready to enter the world of late imperial Russia. Enjoy!