The term "Black Plague" refers to a devastating pandemic known as the Black Death that occurred in Europe during the 14th century. This virulent disease, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spread rapidly and caused widespread death and despair.
The Black Plague is characterized by its impact on the lymphatic system, leading to the formation of painful and swollen lymph nodes, known as buboes. Other symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and body aches. Additionally, individuals affected by the plague often experienced respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
The disease was transmitted primarily through fleas that lived on rats, and it quickly spread throughout Europe via trade routes and migration patterns. The Black Plague caused unprecedented mortality rates, decimating entire towns and cities. Estimates suggest that the pandemic resulted in the death of approximately 25 to 75 million people, wiping out a significant portion of the European population at the time.
The Black Plague had profound social and economic consequences, leading to labor shortages, social unrest, and changes in the power dynamics of feudal societies. The devastating impact of this pandemic played a significant role in shaping Europe's history, including cultural shifts, changes in medical practices, and renewed religious fervor.
