-
Period: Jan 1, 1300 to Dec 31, 1400
The Black Death
-
Nov 17, 1333
First SIgns of the Plague
In the Medieval period the plague went by different names, the most common being "the Pestilence" and "The Great Mortality ". There were many theories about the cause of the Plague, ranging from a punishment from God to planetary alignment to evil stares. -
Jan 17, 1346
The Plague Reaches the Black Sea
In 1347 a Genoese ship from Caffa carrying the Plague, on the Black Sea, came ashore at Messina, Sicily. -
Jul 20, 1347
The Plague Reaches Italy
Coming from the East, the Plague reached Italy in the summer of 1347. -
Oct 17, 1347
The Plague Expands Across Europe
The plague began in Sicilly but quickly spread across Europe. -
Jun 18, 1348
The Plague Spreads to England
It isn't clear exactly when or where the Plague reached England. Some evidence suggested Bristol, and some Dorset. The Plague thrived in large crowded cities where overcrowding and primitive sanitation aided its spread. -
Jan 17, 1349
The Catholic Church Determines That Only Sinners Can Get the Plague
In early 1349, the Catholic Church announced that the Plague is a punishment for sinners. -
Apr 17, 1349
Jews Are Blamed for the Plague
It is widely accepted that Jews are responsible for the plague. -
May 17, 1352
The Plague Ends.
The final death toll in Europe is 25 million. Worldwide, the Black Death killed about 1 out of every 2 people. It took 150 years for the population to recover.