The plague, also known as the Black Death, raged in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century. Lack of hygiene and poor living conditions caused the pandemic to flare up again every few decades. Protective measures taken by the common people consisted of prayer, self-flagellation or the taking of vows. A life of penance was deemed the best cure and means of defence. In their times of greatest need, people turned to special patron saints: Saint Roch, himself struck down by the disease, or the Bishop of Milan, Saint Charles Borromeo, who selflessly cared for victims of pestilence. Together with Sebastian, the early Christian martyr, they are among the most important plague saints.