The Black Death was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. It swept through Europe and Asia in the 14th century, killing millions of people. Here are 18 shocking facts about this terrible disease that will make you appreciate modern medicine.
The Black Death Killed Half of Europe’s Population
The Black Death was incredibly deadly. It’s estimated that between 30% and 60% of Europe’s population died during the pandemic. In some areas, entire villages were wiped out. This massive loss of life changed the course of history, affecting everything from politics to art.
Fleas on Rats Spread the Disease
The main culprit behind the spread of the Black Death was the flea. These tiny insects lived on rats and other rodents, and the fleas would jump to human hosts. This method of transmission made the disease spread quickly in crowded cities where rats were common.
People Thought Bad Smells Caused the Plague
In medieval times, people didn’t understand how diseases spread. Many believed that bad smells or “miasmas” caused illness. To protect themselves, people carried sweet-smelling herbs, pomanders, or masks filled with fragrant substances. Of course, these methods did nothing to stop the real cause of the plague.
Doctors Wore Creepy Bird-Like Masks
Plague doctors wore strange outfits that included long leather coats and masks with beak-like noses. These beaks were stuffed with herbs, straw, and spices. Doctors thought this would protect them from bad air. While these outfits didn’t stop the plague, they did scare a lot of people!
Some People Whipped Themselves to Stop the Plague
Some religious groups believed the plague was a punishment from God. To ask for forgiveness, they would walk from town to town, whipping themselves. These groups, called Flagellants, thought their actions would stop the plague. Sadly, their efforts probably spread the disease further.
The Plague Caused Painful, Swollen Lumps
One of the most visible signs of the plague was buboes. These were painful, swollen lumps that appeared in the armpits, neck, and groin. These buboes could grow as large as an apple and often burst, releasing pus and blood. It was a gruesome and painful symptom.
People Used Strange “Cures” That Didn’t Work
Without modern medicine, people tried all sorts of weird remedies. Some drank vinegar, ate crushed emeralds, or sat in sewers. Others tried bloodletting or rubbing onions on their bodies. None of these treatments worked, and some probably made people sicker.
The Plague Made Your Skin Turn Black
In some cases, the plague caused a person’s skin to turn black. This is where the name “Black Death” comes from. The blackening was caused by dead tissue under the skin. It was a sure sign that death was near.
The Disease Could Kill in Just Three Days
The Black Death was incredibly fast-acting. Some people died within three days of showing symptoms. This rapid progression made it hard to treat victims and contributed to the panic surrounding the disease.
Entire Families Were Locked in Their Homes
To try and stop the spread of the plague, some cities locked infected families in their homes. A red cross was painted on the door to warn others. This cruel practice often meant that healthy family members became sick too.
The Plague Changed How People Viewed Death
The Black Death was so widespread that it changed how people thought about death. Art from this time often shows skeletons or corpses, reflecting the constant presence of death. This fascination with mortality is known as “memento mori” or “remember you must die.”
Some People Blamed Cats for the Plague
In their search for answers, some people blamed cats for the plague. Many cats were killed as a result. Ironically, cats could have helped control the rat population that was spreading the disease. Fewer cats meant more rats and more plague.
The Plague Led to Better Wages for Workers
With so many people dead, there weren’t enough workers to go around. This led to better wages and conditions for surviving workers. Some historians think this helped end the feudal system in Europe.
The Black Death Wasn’t Just Bubonic Plague
While bubonic plague was the most common form, the Black Death also included pneumonic and septicemic plague. Pneumonic plague infected the lungs and could spread directly between people. Septicemic plague infected the blood and was almost always fatal.
The Plague Still Exists Today
Surprisingly, the plague still exists in some parts of the world. However, thanks to modern antibiotics, it’s no longer the deadly threat it once was. Today, most people who get plague survive if they’re treated quickly.
The Plague May Have Made Some Europeans Resistant to HIV
Scientists from the University of Liverpool think the Black Death may have had a surprising long-term effect. They believe it might have made around 10% of Europeans more resistant to HIV. This theory is still being studied, but it shows how past diseases can affect our health today.
The Plague Inspired Nursery Rhymes
Believe it or not, some nursery rhymes were inspired by the plague. “Ring Around the Rosie” is often thought to be about the plague, though some historians disagree. It’s a reminder of how the Black Death affected all aspects of life, even children’s games.
Modern Plague Outbreaks Still Happen
While not as deadly as the Black Death, plague outbreaks still occur today. In 2017, Madagascar had an outbreak that infected over 2,000 people. These modern outbreaks remind us that we need to stay vigilant against infectious diseases.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
