Mortality Rate of the Black Death

The mortality rate of the Black Death, which struck Europe in the 14th century, was devastating, with estimates suggesting that 30% to 60% of the population perished. The plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spread rapidly through trade routes and urban areas. This led to the deaths of millions, resulting in significant social, economic, and cultural changes. Villages were abandoned, labor shortages occurred, and societal structures were disrupted. The Black Death fundamentally altered the course of European history and its demographics, leading to shifts in power and changes in the class system.