In the mid-1300s, Europe experienced a period of crisis due to famine and plague. A famine from 1315-1317 due to climate changes weakened populations. Then, the Black Death plague arrived in 1347-1351, spread by fleas carrying bacteria. It originated in Genoa, Italy and caused fever, vomiting, and other symptoms. It killed between 25-75 million people, a third of Europe's population.

1. A Time of Crisis Mid 1300s

2. The Black Death 1347 - 1351

5. The Disease Cycle Flea drinks rat blood that carries the bacteria. Flea’s gut clogged with bacteria. Bacteria multiply in flea’s gut. Flea bites human and regurgitates blood into human wound. Human is infected!

8. The Symptoms Bulbous Septicemia Form: almost 100% mortality rate.

9. Medieval Art & the Plague

10. From the Toggenburg Bible , 1411 Medieval Art & the Plague

11. Medieval Art & the Plague Bring out your dead!

12. Medieval Art & the Plague An obsession with death .

13. Death Triumphant !: A Major Artistic Theme

14. The Danse Macabre

16. Attempts to Stop the Plague A Doctor’s Robe “ Leeching”

17. Lancing a Buboe

18. Attempts to Stop the Plague Flagellanti: Self-inflicted “penance” for our sins!

19. Attempts to Stop the Plague Pograms (riots) against the Jews “ Jew” hat “ Golden Circle” obligatory badge

21. The Mortality Rate 1 in 3 died 25% to 33% 50 - 75 million dead !!!

22. Hundred Years War