Black Death Lecture Notes

Overview

• Black Death: A bubonic plague pandemic from 1346 to 1353 in Europe.
• One of the most fatal pandemics in human history, causing the deaths of an estimated 25 to 50 million people.
• Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
• Spread through fleas and airborne transmission.

Historical Context

• Was part of the second plague pandemic.
• The pandemic led to significant religious, social, and economic upheavals in Europe.

Origin and Spread

• Origin of the Black Death is disputed; genetic evidence suggests Yersinia pestis evolved around 7,000 years ago.
• Initially spread to Europe during the siege of the Genoese trading port of Kaffa in Crimea by the Golden Horde in 1347.
• Disease spread through Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, West Asia, and Europe.
• Pneumonic plague variant responsible for rapid inland spread.

Impact on Europe

• Estimated to have killed between 30% and 60% of the European population.
• Significant population loss also occurred in the Middle East.
• Population levels did not recover until the 16th century.

Cultural Impact

• The disease was referred to as "pestilence," "the plague," "great death," etc., during the time.
• The term "Black Death" was not used until the 1750s.

Scientific Understanding

• Research has confirmed that Yersinia pestis was the causative agent.
• Modern genetic studies trace its origins and spread through historical populations.

Causes and Theories

• Early theories linked the plague to astrological events or divine punishment.
• Modern understanding points to flea vectors and climate change affecting rodent populations.

Symptoms

• Bubonic plague symptoms: Fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes (buboes).
• Pneumonic plague: Respiratory issues, cough, high mortality rate.
• Septicemic plague: Rapid progression, high mortality, skin purpura.

Transmission and Hygiene

• Lack of hygiene in medieval Europe facilitated spread.
• Streets were unhygienic with live animals, contributing to disease spread.

Economic and Social Impact

• Wages rose due to labor shortages; inflation impacted real incomes.
• The plague led to changes in land use and a decline in feudalism.

Religious and Social Reactions

• Persecutions of Jews, friars, and foreigners occurred due to scapegoating.
• Increased religious fervor, including practices of self-flagellation for penance.

Subsequent Plague Outbreaks

• Plague recurred through the 17th century in Europe and the Mediterranean.
• Third pandemic started in China, spread globally, and killed millions.

Modern Day

• Treatment includes antibiotics and vaccines, but drug-resistant strains pose a threat.
• Historical understanding informs current public health strategies.