Black Death

The Black Death, occurring in the 14th century, was a devastating pandemic caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, transmitted mainly through fleas on rats. It swept across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, killing an estimated 25 million people—about one-third of Europe's population at the time. The disease led to social, economic, and religious upheaval, as communities struggled with loss and fear. The Black Death profoundly impacted the course of history, leading to changes in labor, increased wages for workers, and shifts in societal structures, paving the way for the Renaissance and modern Europe.