THE BLACK DEATH The Bubonic Plague and its

THE BLACK DEATH The Bubonic Plague and its effect on Europe http: //www. history. com/topics/black-death

WHAT WAS THE BLACK DEATH? • The Black Death or Bubonic Plague is a bacterial infection known as Yersinia pestis • The Black Death hit Europe in 1347 CE, at the port of Messina (Sicily) • The disease would eventually kill 20 -25 million Europeans (about 1/3 of the

WHAT CAUSED THE BLACK DEATH? • The Bubonic Plague started in China and then spread to Europe by Italian merchants via the Black Sea • Flea’s feeding on rats infected with the plague spread the disease to the merchants and then to much of Europe https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=r. Zy 6 Xil. XDZQ

WHAT WERE THE EFFECTS OF THE PLAGUE? • The Black Death created a decline in population (over 1/3 of Europe) • Disruption of trade (merchants and stores closed to avoid the plague) • Scarcity of labor (people were dying or avoiding human contact) https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=grb. SQ 6 O 6 kbs

WHAT WERE THE EFFECTS OF THE PLAGUE? • Towns were freed of feudal obligations (peasants died in large numbers and even nobles were not immune) • Church influence declined (the Church could not stop the plague or save those infected)

WHAT STOPPED THE PLAGUE? • Improvements in sanitation • Pest and waste control • Isolation

THE BLACK DEATH TODAY • The Bubonic Plague still exists today • In 2003, there were more than 2, 100 infected and 180 causalities (largely confined to Africa) • Cases of Bubonic Plague are found throughout the world but are easily treated with antibiotics

CHURCH SCHOLARS The Bubonic Plague and its effect on Europe

EDUCATION DURING THE MIDDLEAGES • Education was largely confined to the Church clergy (Church leaders and officials) • The majority of the population were uneducated peasant farmers • The nobles were too busy with feudal obligations to be educated

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CHURCH SCHOLARS • Preserved ancient literature in monasteries • Translated Greek and Arabic works into Latin • Made advancements in philosophy, science and medicine available to Europeans • Laid the foundations for the rise of universities in Europe