black death

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  • the plague was caused by the bacterium yersinia pestis
  • yersinia pestis is spread through fleas, rats or other rodents
  • bubonic plague causes painful swellings called buboes
  • yersinia pestis is spread through fleas that live on rats, which were common in medieval european towns
  • The Black Death

    1348-49
  • The Plague spread

    1. Broke out in China
    2. Spread to India, across Europe
    3. Reached Dorset in England in 1348
    4. By 1349 had spread around the rest of Britain
    5. Killed 40% of the population, higher in towns and ports
    6. At one point 200 people a day were being buried in London
  • At the time it was called the 'pestilence'
  • Ideas on the cause of the Black Death
    • God's punishment for sins
    • Movements of the planets (Mars, Saturn and Jupiter)
    • Bad air caused by poisonous fumes released by a volcano
    • Jews poisoning the wells
  • No one had an idea that it was possibly spread when fleas bit infected rats and then pumped the disease onto humans
  • Trade amongst ships brought the rats and fleas to England
  • Living conditions in 1340

    • Large cities were perfect for the spread of the Black Death as people lived so close together - 60% of Londoners died!
    • Animals, horse waste, butchering of meat led to waste and blood on the streets
    • Medieval towns had no drainage, sewers or rubbish collections, rats thrived in such conditions
    • Disposal of bodies was very basic and helped to spread the disease
  • Treatment of the Black Death
    1. Rubbing onions, herbs or a chopped snake on the boils
    2. Physicians would pop the buboes to release the pressure or try bleeding or leeching
    3. Seeking God's forgiveness through pageants, whipping, daily church services, prayers and alms
  • The government introduced 'quarantine' to stop people moving around so much, which helped prevent the spread
  • King Edward ordered the cleaning of the streets to stop people believing the odour would drive away the disease
  • Usual advice was to carry a post of flowers or herbs around their neck or bathe to avoid the corrupted air
  • One of the most common methods to prevent the plague and cure people was seeking God's forgiveness