The Black Death Timeline: A Concise History (1347-1348)

1347

• Spring: Yersinia pestis arrives in Europe via trade routes; first appears in Caffa (Crimea).
• Summer: Spreads through Crimea, Middle East, North Africa.
• Fall: Reaches Constantinople; moves into Balkans.

1348

• Winter: Enters Italy; rapidly spreads to France, Spain, Germany.
• Spring: Arrives in England and Wales.
• Summer: Reaches Scandinavia, Iceland.
• Fall: Spreads to Russia, Poland.

1349

• Winter: Peak mortality across Europe; millions dead.
• Spring/Summer: Decline begins in some areas; persists in others.

1350‑1351: Recurrent localized outbreaks; less severe.

Aftermath: Population decimated (30‑60% mortality); profound social, economic, religious transformation—labor shortages, wage rises, persecution of minorities, questioning of Church authority, artistic shifts (Danse Macabre).