Did You Know? The Black Death

The Black Death, a devastating plague in the 14th century, wiped out a third of Europe's population. Originating from the east, it spread through Mediterranean ports and inland, causing widespread death. Misunderstood at the time, it was transmitted by Yersinia pestis via fleas on rodents. Ineffective treatments like bloodletting were common. Over time, improved sanitation, reduced human-rat contact, and medical advancements helped control the plague. Today, outbreaks are rare and manageable with antibiotics.

What role did rats and fleas play in the spread of the plague?

What advancements contributed to the retreat of the plague over time?