The Arrival of the Black Death

In the 14th century, a shadow fell over Europe, starting in crowded

city streets. Rats lived everywhere, from the busiest markets to the smallest homes.

But the true killer was microscopic: the Yersinia pestis bacteria. Fleas fed on

infected rats, then jumped to humans as their hosts died. Victims suffered terrible

fevers and painful black buboes as the infection spread. Trade ships carried the plague across

the world, making the spread unstoppable.