Abstract: During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, epidemic diseases in Chaohu Lake basin lasted for 36 years. The formation of epidemic diseases was the result of the comprehensive effects of natural environment and climate characteristics, natural disasters, and social changes. In terms of natural environment, the general climate during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the unique environmental characteristics in Chaohu Lake basin contributed to the epidemic diseases. In terms of natural disasters, the disaster system formed by the association of disaster elements formed the environment of epidemic diseases. Among them, the disaster elements of water, drought and locust were related to the formation of epidemic diseases most directly. In terms of social factors, epidemic diseases reflected the comprehensive effects of national epidemic prevention efforts, population changes, economic development, wars, and famines. The combination of multiple factors constituted the ecological field of epidemic diseases.

Key words: Ming and Qing Dynasties, Chaohu Lake basin, epidemic diseases, influencing factors