The Plague (Black Death)

The Black Death, or the plague, was a devastating pandemic in the 14th century caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It spread primarily through fleas that infested rats and, later, through human contact and respiratory droplets. The disease caused severe symptoms like fever, chills, weakness, and painful swollen lymph nodes called buboes. It wiped out about a third of Europe's population in just a few years, leading to profound social, economic, and cultural changes. Understanding the plague helps us recognize the importance of disease control and the impact infectious diseases can have on societies throughout history.