Black Death

The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe, Asia, and Africa in the 14th century. Believed to have originated in Asia, it spread rapidly through trade routes, carried by fleas infesting rats. The disease caused severe symptoms such as high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and the appearance of black patches on the skin, leading to a mortality rate of up to 90% in some areas. The Black Death had profound social, economic, and cultural impacts, causing widespread death, labor shortages, and societal upheaval. Despite eventually subsiding, it continued to resurface periodically, leaving a lasting legacy on global history.