The Black Death: History and Facts

The Black Death: History and Facts

A horrible sickness known as the “Black Death” swept over Europe between 1347 and 1350. The illness was extremely contagious and had no known treatment.

The Black Death: History and Facts

How did it start?

Most likely, the epidemic originated in Asia and followed the Silk Road westward. Rats served as the host for fleas that spread the sickness. Black rats on European cargo ships are thought to have contracted the illness and subsequently transported it to Europe, according to historians.

How bad was it?

It is difficult to understand how terrifying life was during the Black Death in the Middle Ages. At least one-third of Europe’s population had perished from the plague by the time it reached its peak, perhaps not more. It is estimated that almost 800 people perished every day in Paris, France. They were unable to bury the dead due to their sheer number. They needed to be carried to enormous pits.

Regretfully, the Middle Ages population was unaware that rats were the disease’s carrier. Larger towns and cities, which were notoriously filthy during the Middle Ages, became even more hazardous as a result of the abundance of rats. At times, the epidemic completely destroyed entire cities or villages.

What did the people do?

It was to be expected that there was panic. A lot of individuals were certain that the world was ending. People attempted to hide inside their homes by locking their doors. This was less effective, though, in cities where fleas and rats were ubiquitous. In an attempt to halt the sickness, they even set fire to entire villages and residences.

The Bubonic Plague

We now refer to this illness as the bubonic plague. These days, very few people contract the illness, and the majority of those who do fare well. During the Middle Ages, the sickness nearly usually resulted in death. Individuals would become extremely ill, with blue and black spots appearing all over their bodies.

Rebuilding After the Black Death

When the European Black Plague eventually abated, much of the continent’s infrastructure was destroyed. Europe’s reconstruction is thought to have taken 150 years or more.

Facts about the Black Death

• Many people thought that the Black Death was punishment from God.
• It is estimated that somewhere between 75 million and 200 million people died of the plague.
• Some scientists think it was a bacteria called Yersinia pestis that caused the disease.
• The plague was not called the Black Death until many years later. Some think it was called this because of how the skin turned dark at the late stages of the disease, but it was more likely called “Black” to reflect the dark and horrible time in history.
• Some people thought that pockets of bad air released by earthquakes caused the plague. Others went so far as to blame Jewish people for bringing the plague to kill Christians.
• The epidemic returned to Europe several times, but wasn’t as bad as the Black Death period.

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