Black Death Quiz (Plenary from JigSaw Activity)

Where did the Black Death likely first break out in the 1320s–1330s?

• Italy

• China (Hubei region)

• North Africa

• Spain

How did the siege of Caffa contribute to the spread of the Black Death?

• Merchants carried the disease back to Europe.

• Soldiers healed the sick using herbs.

• Fleas traveled by air to distant cities.

• Ships avoided the port, stopping the spread.

Which of the following trade routes was most important for the spread of the plague?

• Silk Road

• Trans-Saharan camel route

• Viking sea routes

• Pacific island trading route

What method did the Mongols reportedly use to spread the disease during the siege of Caffa?

• Poisoning water supplies

• Catapulting infected bodies over city walls

• Lighting fires around the city

• Releasing infected rats into the streets

Why were ports like Alexandria, Genoa, and Venice critical in the spread of the plague?

• They blocked ships from entering.

• They were major trade hubs connecting regions.

• They quarantined all incoming travelers.

• They were the only cities unaffected.

How did the plague likely reach North Africa?

• Through camel caravans crossing the Sahara

• Through trade along the North African coast

• Through Viking raids on coastal towns

• Through overland migration from Europe

What helped the plague spread so rapidly across Europe?

• Closed city gates and strict quarantine

• Fast-moving military campaigns

• High levels of travel and trade

• Effective medical treatment centers