Epidemics were among the greatest dangers for people in the pre-modern era and had various effects on individuals and communities. The consequences of epidemics in the late Middle Ages and early modern period are examined comparatively and comprehensively for the middle imperial cities of Esslingen, Nördlingen, and Schwäbisch Hall. Based on contemporary concepts of epidemics, the study initially addresses the factors that influenced urban society and affected people's behavior during an epidemic outbreak, following a cause-and-effect framework. The specific impacts in the administrative, medical, social, economic, and ecclesiastical sectors are the focus of the second section.