The Black Death was a massive brutal epidemic that spread across Europe from 1346 to 1353, It killed over an estimated one-third of Europe's entire population. It is known as the worst natural disaster in European history. The Black death was a combination of bubonic, pneumonic, and septicemic plague strains (Gottfried). The plague spread throughout Europe from 1346-1353. Although historians are not entirely sure where and how it began, the Black Death spread quickly across both Europe and Asia with a death toll that rose rapidly. Those who survived the plague lived in constant fear that it might return. Not only were the effects devastating at the time of infection, but during the aftermath as well. The European population grew into a steady decline for at least a century as a result. The plague also had unusual and deadly symptoms. The plague was a natural disaster which was so foreign to the people of this time. It caused panic everywhere, no one knew of any way to stop the plague of death except to flee from it (Kohn). The epidemic killed 25%-50% of Europe's population and caused mayhem which increased political, social and structural changes within Europe (Gottfried). Even though the Black death was a great disaster, we know surprisingly little of it. Historians often present numerous theories of its how it began and how it was spread. Mainly primary and secondary sources were found that described the event. They were uncovered records of deaths, symptoms and other characteristics, and have found political records, art, and other document that recalled the plague and the impact that it had on Europe. .
Religion was a focal point of many thriving civilizations during this time, many thought the Black Plague was a curse from God. They thought it was punishment for the sins the infected had committed. The ones that survived were supposedly the chosen people, and were the ones who abided by the laws of the Church.
