1. The Black Death

2. What was the Plague? A bacteria called Yersina pestis Caused large swellings to appear on victim – Called “buboes” Victims would bleed to death from sores – Or have their lungs liquefy Spread by: – Fleas – Rats – Coughing – Contact with victim

3. Spread of the Plague The Plague started out in China Spread along the Silk Road Came into Europe in 1347 – Arrived into the port of Messina in Sicily – Brought in by rats on merchant ships

4. Treatments Poor Medical Knowledge at this time – People did not know how it spread – Believed anything from miasma to looking at victims spread it Dozens of treatments tried – Bloodletting, leeches, lacing the buboes, etc. Plague Doctors wore bizarre outfits to try and prevent contracting the disease

5. Effects of the Plague Killed 1/3 to 2/3 of the population of Europe – Devastated almost all countries in Europe – Over 20 million people killed Helped break down Feudal System – Towns recovered population faster than manors – Killed everyone indiscriminately, including upper classes – Labor shortage lead to higher wages for peasants

6. Effects cont. People thought it was the wrath of God – Flagellants would whip themselves in penance People began to lose faith in the Church – Church couldn’t save them from the Plague – Set stage for Protestant Reformation Jews blamed for causing the plague and many were killed