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Yes, the ancient greeks often attributed natural disasters and disease to ill omens and signs that the suffering individual had displeased the gods. This was probably due to their polytheistic and ritualistic religon, wherein it was generally accepted:

  • the gods spoke through omens and oracles.
  • sending offerings and prayers to the gods earnt their favour.
  • neglect of these offerings would provoke natural disaster.

Ancient Greek mythology features alot of this, see the story of Tiresias. The plague in Athens in 448BC according to plutarch was also attributed to the wrath of the gods.

There is a difference, though, between plague and disease and common illnesses. Illness was one of the maladies inside Pandora's Box. It was released when she opened the box.

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