What Caused the Black Death?
The Black Death, which swept through Europe from 1347 to 1351, was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, transmitted through fleas that infested black rats. The disease led to one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, decimating nearly a third of Europe's population. Contributing factors included the spread of the plague along trade routes, poor sanitation, and the crowded living conditions in medieval cities, which facilitated the rapid transmission of the disease. The impact of the Black Death was profound, leading to significant social, economic, and cultural upheavals.