The Black Death

One of the most frightening events of the Middle Ages was the Bubonic Plague, also called the Black Death. This deadly disease spread across Europe in the 1300s and killed a huge number of people. Historians believe that about 1 out of every 3 people in Europe died, meaning millions of lives were lost.

The plague likely began far to the east in Asia and spread west along trade routes. Many historians believe it traveled during the time of the Mongol Empire, carried by fleas living on rats that moved with traders and armies. When ships arrived in Europe, the disease spread quickly from port cities to towns and villages.

People did not understand germs or medicine. Many believed the plague was a punishment from God for human sins. Others thought it was caused by bad air, unlucky stars, or evil spirits. Because of this, people tried strange cures, such as carrying charms, praying loudly, or blaming certain groups of people.

The plague caused fear everywhere. Families were torn apart, villages were emptied, and workers were so few that farms were left untended. Even though the plague was terrible, it changed Europe forever by shaking old beliefs and slowly pushing people to search for better science and medicine.

The Black Death reminds us how dangerous disease can be — and how important knowledge and health care are today.