The Black Death was a horrific plague that originated from fleas infecting rats in sewers. The fleas jumped from infected rats to humans, spreading the disease. Entire families fled their homes in fear of catching the illness from infected neighbors. People exhibiting symptoms like high fever, sweating, stomach pains and red blotches believed they had the Black Death. Sufferers thought it was divine punishment and tried to confess their sins to make the plague subside.

1. Black Death Taylor Goldsmith