The Black Death

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Zachary Davies

Mr. O'Connor

British Literature

December 12, 2004

The Black Death

The Black Death was undoubtedly one of the most devastating diseases that occurred during the middle ages. The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was a world-wide epidemic that caused the death of more than 20 million people throughout Europe (Velenzdas). The people of this time period were clueless as to the cause of the plague, but were well aware of the tell-tale symptoms that accompanied infection. There were many "cures" for the outbreaks, however it is known that only a small percentage proved successful. Although the Black Death is deemed by many to be the most devastating pandemic in history, some consider it to have ultimately led to the Renaissance by starting a revolution in the arts and sciences (Cantor 22-23).

The Bubonic Plague is caused by the Yersina Pestis bacterium, which commonly infected the rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, which also served as its host (Velenzdas). Medieval Europe was a time of widespread uncleanliness. Garbage was dumped onto the streets, water sources were often polluted, all of which contributed to an overall unhealthy environment. In the