WHAT WERE THE CAUSES OF THE BLACK DEATH AND HOW DID IT SPREAD?
Global Trade, Rats and Fleas
There are two main ideas as to how the plague got to Europe:
1. Possible climate change in Asia consisting of lots of hot and dry air which was not good for crop growing. The black rats of Asia moved westward towards Europe in the search of food. The black rats carried fleas with the bacteria that caused the plague.
2. Global trade. Merchant ships carrying goods between various Asian countries and Europe were also carrying black rats that had infected fleas living in their coats. The rats travelled to Europe first landing in Italy.
1. Possible climate change in Asia consisting of lots of hot and dry air which was not good for crop growing. The black rats of Asia moved westward towards Europe in the search of food. The black rats carried fleas with the bacteria that caused the plague.
2. Global trade. Merchant ships carrying goods between various Asian countries and Europe were also carrying black rats that had infected fleas living in their coats. The rats travelled to Europe first landing in Italy.
Hygiene
In the 14th century people had basically no knowledge of hygiene and how good hygiene practices prevented the spread of disease.
The medieval streets were dirty and smelly. Human waste and sewerage was tossed in the streets. Animals lived within the towns. The smell of animal manure and human waste was always present. These conditions were perfect environment for rats, mice and insects to breed, allowing the bacteria causing the plague to flourish and spread.
The medieval streets were dirty and smelly. Human waste and sewerage was tossed in the streets. Animals lived within the towns. The smell of animal manure and human waste was always present. These conditions were perfect environment for rats, mice and insects to breed, allowing the bacteria causing the plague to flourish and spread.
Medical Knowledge
Medical knowledge was poor, Medical people had no knowledge of bacteria and how to control the spread of it. Nor did they really have any idea as to what caused the plague. Anyone who did survive the plague was very lucky!
People relied on old folk and herbal medicines passed down through the generations. These treatments were generally useless. Most people treating plague victims generally made the condition worse and ultimately caught the disease and died.
If you were particularly ill in the 14th century you would most likely die.
People relied on old folk and herbal medicines passed down through the generations. These treatments were generally useless. Most people treating plague victims generally made the condition worse and ultimately caught the disease and died.
If you were particularly ill in the 14th century you would most likely die.