Thursday, 23 January 2014

Black Death or Bubonic Plague

If it is talked about the most deadly plagues, the Black Death must be listed in top ones. This is also called as Bubonic Plague. In human history, it was the deadliest pandemic due to which a massive quantity of people died. Around 25 million people were killed by this, which was equal to half of the population of Europe that time.

The plague caused by the Yersinia Pestis Bacteria, reached in England in 1348. It was originated in China and came into British Isles through English province of Gascony as it was spread west along the trade routes across Europe. The medium for its expanse was flea-infected rats.

The first victim of this plague was a seaman who had arrived at Weymouth, Dorset from Gascony and within 2 to 3 years, it covered the entire Europe. It is interesting to know that more men were killed in this plague.

The peasant’s revolt of 1381 was also the outcome of this plague as decrease in population due to the pandemic, made shortage of labor and high wages. It affected in artistic and cultural manners as well.

The plague returned to England in 1361-62, causing death of 20% population and it continued to return in 14th and 15th century as well. The great plague of London in 1665-66 was the last outbreak of this plague named as the Black Death or Bubonic Plague

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