The Bubonic Plague Strikes

Epidemic Strikes

Jan 1, 1300

During the 1300s an epidemic struck parts of Asia, North Africa, and Europe. Approximately one-third of the population fo Europe died of the deadly disease known as the bubonic plague. Unlike catastrophes that pull communities together, this epidemic was so terrifying that it ripped apart society. The plague began in Asia and traveled through the trade routes. It infected parts of Asia, the Muslim world, and Europe.

Black Death

Jan 1, 1347

In 1347, a fleet of Genoese merchant ships arrived in Sicily carrying the bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death. It got the name because of the purplish or blackish spots that showed up on the skin. The disease spread through Italy and through trade routes made it to Spain, France, Germany, England, and other countries in Europe and North Africa.

The Somewhat End

Jan 1, 1352

It took about 4 years for the bubonic plague to reach almost every corner of Europe. The plague returned every few years, though it never struck as severely as it did the first time. The periodic attacks further reduced the population though. Some effects of the plague were: trade declined, prices rose, serfs left manors for better wages, and nobles resisted peasant demands for higher wages, causing revolts.