The Black Death: The Great Mortality

The Black Death, also known as the Great Mortality, was a devastating pandemic that struck Europe in the mid-14th century, peaking around 1347-1351. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which spread through fleas and rats. The outbreak led to an estimated 25-30 million deaths, wiping out about a third of Europe’s population. The pandemic had profound social, economic, and cultural effects, leading to labor shortages, changes in the feudal system, and shifts in attitudes toward life and death. It also spurred advancements in medicine and public health policies in later years.