The Black Death: Cause, Impact, and Historical Context

The Black Death (Black Plague/Pestilence) was a 14th‑century pandemic that killed an estimated 75–200 million people (30–60% of Europe's population), peaking 1347–1352.

Cause

The bacterium Yersinia pestis, typically found in wild rodents. Fleas on infected rodents transmitted the bacteria to humans through bites.