1. The Black Death in 14th Century Europe Carulmare “Unknown Master”, January 21, 2008 via Flickr Creative Commons Attribution.

2. What was the Black Death? Nickname for 14th century Bubonic Plague Killed 25 million people London: 1 of 5 residents died.

3. Causes of the Plague Today: Scientists have found the plague originated in China. Rats and fleas were main vessels. Anna Kelly “Microscope Flea”, September 16, 2008 via Flickr Creative Commons Attribution Michael Hodge “Unknown Rat”, July 13, 2007 via Flickr Creative Commons Attribution

4. Causes Continued During 14th century Europe: People were in close contact. Were not as hygienic as today.

5. Causes Continued The disease also: Was being spread through medieval trade routes. Mainly on infected sailors.

6. What the People Believed Today we know what caused the disease. But people living this time period thought very differently. Some reasons were: Jews, Religion, and Cats.

7. Their Reasons Jews Christian People: Believed that Jews were the cause of the plague. Some Jews even confessed to poisoning water wells. They were sentenced to death. Sharon Mollerus, “Virgin in Lament” March 11, 2009 via Flickr Creative Commons.

8. Their Reasons Continued The Bible This usually revolved around Christian beliefs. According to Biblical stories: Plagues were usually sent to punish people for their sins. Wrath of God.

9. Their Reasons Continued Cats People believed that cats were evil. So household cats were killed. This meant that the rat population grew.

10. Preventative Measures Flower Petals Belief was to carry around flower petals. Scent was thought to keep plague away. Ring around the Rosy

11. Preventative Measures Continued Doctors believed bad smells could drive away plague. Treatments included: Dung and Urine.

12. Preventative Measures Continued People were also told to: Be happy and avoid bad thoughts. Drink “good” wine. Avoid eating fruits.

13. Preventative Measures Continued Other Measures Included: Put nice smelling herbs in drinks. Avoid lechery (adultery). Do not abuse the poor. Maintain household according to status.

14. Preventative Measures Continued Bathing was even discouraged. It was seen as a sign of vanity Believed to open pores Easier for “bad air” to enter and exit body.

15. Conclusion The Black Death killed millions of people. History was gory. Marked a turning point for the Renaissance Period.

16. Citations Wikipedia.org: Peck, Michael S, & Prelas, Mark Antonio; “Nonproliferation Issues for Weapons of Mass Destruction” P.6, 2005. http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-diseases/plague-article.html www.boisestate.edu/courses/westciv/plague/04.shtml www.allabouthistory.org/history-of-black-death.htm http://facts.randomhistory.com/2009/06/09-black-death.html