History of the Black Death

History of the Black Death: Europe’s Greatest Tragedy The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. It struck Europe in the 14th century, killing millions and changing the course of history. Understanding this tragic event helps us appreciate modern advancements in medicine and public health. The Black Death started in Asia and spread to Europe through trade routes. It reached Europe in 1347, arriving in Sicily via trading ships. From there, it quickly spread across the continent. The plague was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which was transmitted through fleas that lived on rats. As trade and travel increased, so did the spread of the disease. Symptoms of the Black Death included fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, terrible aches, and swollen lymph nodes called buboes, which is why it was called the Bubonic Plague. The disease was extremely deadly, killing up to 60% of its victims within days. The impact wa