Black Death

Overview

The Black Death was the most devastating pandemic in human history, wiping out an estimated 30–60% of Europe's population in just six years. Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and spread primarily by fleas on rats, it originated in Central Asia and spread westward along trade routes. It fundamentally transformed European society — labor became scarce, feudalism weakened, and the Renaissance followed partly as a result.

Historical Timeline

Symptoms

Affected Regions

Sources & References