The Black Death and Bubonic Plague

Introduction

• In October 1347, 12 ships anchored at a Sicilian port brought the Black Death to Europe.
• The people on these ships were either dead or dying with black boils on their skin.
• The plague, known as the Black Death, is considered one of the greatest disasters in history, wiping out at least a third of Europe's population.

Spread of the Plague

• The plague spread through trade routes, first affecting China, then India, Egypt, Persia, and Syria.
• It followed trade routes, making it unavoidable once it reached an area.
• Initial symptoms included swelling of lymph nodes, fever, pain, and eventually death.

Misunderstandings and Fear

• People believed it spread through physical contact or spirit leaving the deceased.
• Lack of scientific understanding at the time led to widespread fear.
• It affected almost every city in Europe, leading to ghost towns.

Impact on Population and Society

• Death toll in Europe was between 50-70 million, or about 30% of the population.
• Some estimates suggest up to 60% of the European population and 155-200 million worldwide deaths.
• The plague also decimated livestock, leading to wool shortages.

Causes and Transmission

• The bacterium responsible is Yersinia pestis, spread through flea or lice bites.
• Rats, along with other animals, were major carriers of the plague.
• Outbreaks often followed "rat falls," where rodents died off in large numbers.

Controversy and Human Fleas

• Some scientists suggest human fleas and lice contributed significantly to the spread.
• Studies showed human flea and lice models matched historical data from plague-hit cities better than rat models.

Other Contributing Factors

• Anthrax and other diseases may have worsened the situation, compromising immunity.

Medical Practices and Treatment

• Bloodletting and boil lancing were common but ineffective treatments.
• The lack of effective medical treatment led to high mortality rates.
• Doctors eventually stopped treating plague victims to protect themselves.

Genetic and Evolutionary Impact

• Genetic studies show that few people had natural immunity to the plague.
• Survivors passed on genes that provided some resistance to descendants.

Modern Considerations

• The Bubonic plague is still present today, but modern medicine and antibiotics have reduced its lethality significantly.
• The Black Death's historical impact changed societal structures and led to advancements in medical understanding.