The Black Death Pandemic Overview

The Black Death Pandemic

• A devastating bubonic plague pandemic, occurring in Europe from 1346 to 1353.
• Estimated to have killed 50 million, potentially 50% of 14th-century Europe's population.
• Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spreading through fleas and airborne transmission.
• One of history's deadliest pandemics, marked a significant turning point in European history.

Causes and Origins of the Black Death

• Origin of Yersinia pestis bacteria estimated at 7,000 years ago, with flea-mediated strains emerging around 3,800 years ago.
• Precise initial origins debated; possible locations include Central Asia, China, the Middle East, and Europe.
• Introduced to Europe during the 1347 siege of Kaffa (Crimea) by the Golden Horde.
• Likely transmitted via black rats on Genoese ships, spreading through the Mediterranean and other regions.
• Inland spread of the Black Death likely expedited by person-to-person transmission (pneumonic plague).
• Recent research suggests a possible outbreak in Kyrgyzstan in the late 1330s, independently of previous theories invoking Mongol conquests.

Impact and Consequences of the Black Death

• Second great natural disaster of the Late Middle Ages (following the 1315-1317 Great Famine).
• Estimated to have killed 30-60% of Europe's population and 33% in the Middle East.
• Population levels in Europe did not recover to 14th-century levels until the 16th century.
• Recurring outbreaks continued globally until the early 19th century.
• Significantly impacted European social, economic, and religious structures.
• Marked the beginning of the second plague pandemic.