The Black Death plague originated in Asia and spread along trade routes to Europe in the 14th century. Carried by rat fleas, it devastated the European population, killing an estimated 25 million people, or 1/4 of the total population. The plague had widespread economic, social, and religious impacts including labor shortages, anti-semitism, a decline in the power of the church, and increased realism in the arts depicting death.

1. "The Black Death"The 14th Century Bubonic PlagueJessica FettEDU 290 – T/TH 12:30

2. Spread of the Plague1347 – 1353

3. The rat flea carried the virus

4. The fleas were carried as parasites on ratsWikipedia. “SEM of a flea.” Photo. Wikipedia.com28 Aug. 2005. 29 Sep. 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_flea>

5. Click Below for an Interactive Maphttp://www.wadsworth.com/history_d/templates/student_resources/0534600069_spielvogel/InteractiveMaps/swfs/map11_1.htmlAndy85719, “Bubonic Plague –en” May 31, 2008 via Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons PD-Art.

6. Spread of the PlagueOriginated: China/Inner Asia

7. Kipchak Army catapulted infected bodies at enemies

8. Disease spread along silk trade routes

9. Delivered to Western Europe through Mediterranean Sea PortBelieved CausesGod was punishing humanity for sins

10. Created by the devil

11. Cities state of hygiene

12. Jewish racism accusations

13. Anti-semitismInfection& Death StatisticsVarious parts of Europe

14. 2/3 or ¾ of population

15. ¼ total European population

16. 25,000,000

17. Bubonic Plague killed 50-60% of victimsWellcome Library, “Human bones and skulls in a brick-built pit,” via Wellcome Library, Creative Commons by-nc.Population in Millions

18. Population Drop DuringThe Black DeathYearPopulation in Millions

19. ReactionsFlee – leave townLet-Loose – lived for the momentBlame – accused othersCure – try to reason out the plaguePray – for forgiveness Quarantine – isolate themselves and others