How Would You Have Died in the 1600s?
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The 17th century was an era of grand empires and scientific discovery, but also one of extreme peril. Disease, warfare, and harsh justice made life famously short and unpredictable. How would you have fared in this dangerous period? Answer a few questions, and our analyzer will reveal your likely fate in the 1600s.
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Common Fates of the 17th Century
Historical records from the 1600s tell a deadly story. Before modern medicine, things like "bad air" or even a simple toothache could be a death sentence. From the plague to common fevers, reaching old age was rare. Here are some of the most frequent ways people met their end.
- The Ague: A sickness that involved a high fever, like Malaria or Typhoid.
- Consumption: Now known as Tuberculosis, consumption was a lung infection that caused slow, gradual deterioration.
- Apoplexy: An older name for having a stroke, which can cause unconsciousness and even paralysis.
- Dropsy: Swelling caused by a variety of ailments, like heart failure or kidney disease.
- Tooth infection: In the 1600s, an infected tooth could lead to deadly blood poisoning.


