...The Black Plague “The Renaissance Death of England” Jayne Ritzinger GS102 – Introduction of Life Science September 2, 2009 The Black Plague in a Medieval Perspective “The Renaissance Death of England” The Sixteenth Century and Bubonic Plague The year is 1350 and death has travelled Western Asia and Europe for a decade. The death rate has exceeded 10 million due to the Black Plague, which is the curse of Europe (Bollinger, 1983). Travelling by boat and carriage, the Black Death has infected the known world from Constantinople to London. “The first attack, known since the late sixteenth century as the Black Death but to contemporaries as “the great mortality”, occurred in southern England in 1348; by the end of 1349 it had spread to Central Scotland” (Morgan, 1984). Rats and the lice that traveled on them were the common cause, but the Sixteenth Century had no such mechanism to identify the causation of the plague “Plague is characterized by periodic disease outbreaks in rodent populations, some of which have a high death rate. During these outbreaks, hungry infected fleas that have lost their normal hosts seek other sources of blood, thus escalating the increased risk to humans and other animals frequenting the area” (Plague, 2009). As defined by the Center for Disease Control, the Black Plague is defined as follows: Plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by a bacterium named Yersinia Pestis. Epidemics of plague in humans usually involve house rats...
Words: 1817 - Pages: 8
...The exact dates of the Middle Ages are misleading, Historians place the beginning of the period between the death of the Roman emperor Theodosius I in 395 and the fall of Rome to the Goths in 410. Also known as The Dark Ages, the term may be more a judgment than an actual period of history, because of the lack of available sources that could be used evaluate the period were lost or destroyed due to years of war and insurrection. After the fall of Rome in 410, life changed dramatically. The aqueducts that once delivered fresh water to citizens fell to ruin because maintenance was no longer funded, and even worse, the once great architectural marvels were harvested by peasants to build their homes. As well, the complex system of waste removal...
Words: 1325 - Pages: 6
...The Bubonic Plague: A turning point in history The Bubonic Plague, which also goes by other names such as: the Black Death, the Black Plague, the Great Pestilence, is a disease that devastated the medieval world with a 9 out of 10 mortality rate (Vyas). It is so resilient that cases of infection are still being recorded in America today –although in a much milder manner. The plague then killed of almost one-third of Europe’s population, leaving lasting effects wherever it had touched (Bussema and Witowski). This fatal epidemic disease has since changed how we take on such diseases, and modified our tactics on handling epidemics and other contagious diseases. The Black Plague is an infection caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis (originally known as Pasteurella pestis) (Kohn). The name of the bacterium comes from the scientist that discovered it; French bacteriologist, Alexandre Yersin (Tyson). The pestilence has a typical incubation period of two to seven days before the symptoms begin to show. The plague has many symptoms, some of which include: chills, fever, nausea, and painful swelling of the lymph nodes (called buboes –from which the disease is named) that occur in the armpits and neck and groin. Other symptoms of the illness are: red spots on the skin that turned black, the rotting of flesh whilst still living, severe headache, weakness, and vomiting. Yet, most cases were fatal by the third day (Vyas). This disease was transferred from infected animals -most often...
Words: 2280 - Pages: 10
...the Modern World The Black Death is the worst plague that mankind has ever had to face, much worse than anything we face today. The mortality rate was astounding; whoever was unfortunate enough to become infected with the Black Death would die in a matter of days while suffering through a great deal of pain and agony (Snell). Its peak was around 1348-1353 in Europe, ranging from England all the way to Eastern Europe and beyond (The Black Death, 1348, 2001). The Black Death is thought to have started in China or central Asia, before spreading west. The plague then travelled along the Silk Road and reached the Crimea by 1347. From there, it was probably carried by Oriental rat fleas living on the black rats that were regular passengers on merchant ships. Spreading throughout the Mediterranean and Europe, the Black Death is estimated to have killed 30% to 60% of Europe's population. All in all, the plague reduced the world population from an estimated 450 million to between 350 and 375 million in the 14th century (Ibeji, 2011). The plague disease, generally thought to be caused by Yersinia pestis, is commonly present in populations of fleas carried by ground rodents, including marmots, in various areas including Central Asia, Kurdistan, Western Asia, Northern India and Uganda (Edmonds). Plague was reportedly first introduced to Europe at the trading city of Caffa in the Crimea in 1347 (Whipps, 2008). After a protracted siege, during which the Mongol army was suffering the disease...
Words: 1928 - Pages: 8
...In this project, I learned about the years between 500 and 1000 in Europe. One thing I found interesting was how admittedly grim the times were, even as people romanticized the Dark Ages. I learned about the “Dark Ages” by examining a set of Medieval Economic Laws created by The Bruce Publishing Company in the year 1936. The point of view of this source is that the Dark Ages in Europe were pretty dark because they were chopping people’s hands for not returning money that they owe. This point of view is conveyed through the quote, “Concerning false money, we have ordered that he who has been proved to have struck it shall have his hand cut off.” This quote shows that laws during the Dark Ages were way more physically brutal than any law that...
Words: 480 - Pages: 2
...The medieval and middle literature periods included writings in old english, and Anglo-Norman through middle English, the increasing length of poetry and prose, with strong religious influences during times of change. The Medieval time period is between the fifth and fifteenth century. At the start of this era was the falling of the great Roman Empire and it continued into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Germanic tribes took over. The classic Beowulf was written during the rising of the Germanic tribes and is still read by many today. Following the Germans was the Vikings. Then finally in 1066, the Norman Conquest happened. The Duke of Normandy invaded Britain and took the Anglo-Saxons’ land...
Words: 1718 - Pages: 7
...Bubonic plague is an infectious disease that is spread by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. These bacteria remain in a dormant state primarily in a rat flea’s foregut. Once the flea has bitten a victim it regurgitates the contents in its foregut into the bite location. Once the bacterium has entered into a mammal’s warm body it begins to reproduce and spread throughout the mammal’s body. The reproduction of this bacterium creates large painful swollen lymph nodes which are called buboes. Once these buboes get large enough they begin to ooze infected body fluid so that any contact between an infected person and a healthy person will facilitate the spread of this disease. (The Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012) The areas where the buboes form are the neck, armpits, upper femoral, and groin. Once a person has been infected with Yersinia pestis it usually takes 2-5 days until they begin to show signs and symptoms of the illness. These symptoms include acral gangrene which is gangrene of the extremities to include fingers, toes, lips, and tip of the nose. Total body chills that also comes with severe uncontrollable shakes. A high fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit that induces muscle cramps. Seizures are another common symptom as well as pain begins before the buboes begin to form. In very extreme cases the victim will begin to change skin color to a pinkish hue. Some more less common symptoms are the vomiting of blood, heavy breathing, aching limbs, extreme pain, and coughing. With cases that the...
Words: 1704 - Pages: 7
...During the period era between 500 and 1400, the entire Europe went through the process of disease, faith, feudalism and golden age. Throughout the years of the middle ages, 1/3 of europe's population was decimated, faith in God was renewed, and advancements in art, architecture and science occurred. Thus, the middle ages cannot be portrayed by using one label, however, the term “middle ages” is able to fully illustrate all three aspect that happened during the middle ages. The Middle Ages are often referred with numerous different labels: especially the Dark ages. For instance documents 1 provides clear illustration of Europe being referred to as the Dark Ages. Document 1 highlights the fact that Hungarians (barbarians) have sacked towns...
Words: 640 - Pages: 3
...Thuy Tran 10/19/15 101-0032 Outline: History of Middle Ages Introduction: Middle Ages began when Western Roman Empire collapsed. Byzantine and Islamic appeared before the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages is the middle period of three traditional division of Western history: early, the high, and the late Middle Ages. Middle Ages is an important part of Western Civilization. It through many different period of time of the Middle Ages helps Western Civilization development economy and political. Each period of Middle Ages affect to how Civilization changes and growth. Western Civilization had more strong and created many intellect men. Also, the last Pagan Europe was converted to Christianity with the Baltic people in the High Middle Ages, bringing them to Western Civilization as well. I. Byzantine and Islamic influence A. Byzantine influence In the textbook Humanities in the Western Tradition, First Edition Marvin Perry, Baruch College, City University of New York, Emeritus J. Wayne Baker, University of Akron Pamela Pfeiffer Hollinger, the University of Akron that discussion Byzantine and Islamic their cultural contribution to Western Civilization. * “The Byzantine and Islam have in common” by contributing writer that almost 700 years Byzantine and Islamic cultural fought the remains of the Roman Empire, but they also hared many cultural political and artistic that shape their societies in many ways. * Advantage: * Byzantine cultural contributions...
Words: 1882 - Pages: 8
...Canterbury Tales Webquest Today you are going to research background information about Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales. Anything not completed in class should be finished for HW. - Use the links to answer the questions listed below. - Please PARAPHRASE your answers rather than copying and pasting information. You may type your answers directly into the document and print when finished. 1. Geoffrey Chaucer 1. What kind of writer was he? He is a realistic writer. 2. What were the years of his birth and death? Born 1340/44, died 1400. 3. Where was he from? London, England 4. What was his “masterpiece”? The Canterbury Tales http://www.bartleby.com/65/ch/Chaucer.html 2. What is a pilgrimage? (You should already know this from our vocab. quiz.) A pilgrimage is a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance. Typically, it is a journey to a shrine or other location of importance to a person's beliefs and faith, although sometimes it can be a metaphorical journey in to someone's own beliefs. 3. Define prologue. The preface or introduction to a literary work. http://www.webster.com (or other dictionary site) 4. Where is Canterbury? Canterbury is located in Kent county, south-east of London. It is home to the Caterbury cathedral, the burial site of King Henry IV. What famous...
Words: 1953 - Pages: 8
...One of the economical changes that happened during the late middle ages was the guides. The guides were merchants or artisans who governed the town. The became an economic activity because they governed prices, wages and more. Another change was increase of trade and growth of population. These two things changed the economy because the lifestyle changed. 4. The Christians wanted to go on Crusades for many reasons. Many wanted to beloved that they were obeying God’s will and they wanted to achieve salvation. Others though, wanted kingdoms in Palestine or thought they could get out of taxes this way. 5. During the age of medieval thinker their approach to learning was based more around religion and for lack of a better word literature. Everything in that time was either vernaculars or scholasticism. On the other hand though ancient philosopher were very since and mathematically based. For example, the Hellenistic civilization focused on science, mathematics, medicine, astronomy and philosophy. Building National Monarchies Vocab Exchequer- a central treasury and improvised justice...
Words: 1192 - Pages: 5
...Running head: The High-Middle Ages The High-Middle Ages xx xx World Civilization HIS-109 xx February xx,xxxx The High-Middle Ages This paper includes a few major events in the history of the High-Middle Ages; An era with war and conflict from Asia all the way to Europe and beyond. Peace and war continued throughout the High-Middle Ages yet wars lasted longer and several issues arose impacting both war and peace. This paper includes an explanation of the people affected in the High-Middle Ages consisting of, Christianity in Europe, the Crusades failure, the structure of a feudal society, and death beyond belief. Christianity surfaced through the beliefs of Jews and creating the rise of Christianity began. The expansion of Christianity during the reign of the Roman Empire threatened the Empire. The Empire wanted power and if Christians has all power the Roman Empire failed as leaders. This threat began the stages of persecution towards Christians and the aggravation ceased when Emperor Constantine obtained his Roman throne. Christianity held strong and dominated Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Christianity dominated people of both the poor and the rich. “Religious institutors including the Church and the monasteries became wealthy and influential given the fact that the state allocated a significant budget for religious activities”, (Newman, 2008, Para.1). Christianity dominated and Crusaders wanted nothing more than to take over the Holy Land promised...
Words: 1097 - Pages: 5
...During the 1300s, a plague referred to The Black Death wiped out one third of Europe population. The Black Death was one of the largest wipe-outs in the world. After historians traced this plague, they discovered it began in the far East stucking China, Persia, Syria and Egypt first in 1340. Soon after, this deadly plague traveled its' way northwest when it arrived by sea in the mid 1300s. The 12 trading ships delivered the Black Death onto the dock at the Sicilian port of Messina which was soon discovered as one of the deadliest plague of all time. Not to mention The Plague of Justinian which killed a mere of 50 million people. Furthermore, after the Sicilians authorities discovered the origin of the reason for the deaths, they demanded that...
Words: 672 - Pages: 3
...name for the Middle Ages is “The Dark ages” which was an era of inventors, discovery and trade. China’s ports were a renowned place for traders as many would travel around the world to trade goods. at the docks, thousands of people eagerly waiting for ships to return looking for goods from distant places. In October 1347, trading ships docked at the Sicilian port of Messina after a long journey through the Black Sea (Black Death, n.d.). Greeters, who were waiting anxiously for goods discovered something horrific. Many sailors on the ships were dead and the rest who made it through the journey were quickly dying as well. Not only goods came back from China but also came flea-infested rats, which is the source of the bubonic plague. Another distinctive name for the plague was the Black Death; this particular plague had a discerning effect on the history of Europe producing a sequence of social, religious, and economic catastrophe. This plague killed over half of Europe’s people. Spreading all over Europe and Asia, the Black Death was spreading fast. Victims of the Black Death suffered fevers, weren’t able to digest their food, and became delirious because of the pain. Unknown black boils oozing blood and pus are where the plague got its name. The Black Death ravaged through cities that caused a widespread of hysteria and death. This was an epidemic that could not be stopped. The plague continued for the next five years killing more than 20 million people in Europe, almost one...
Words: 1607 - Pages: 7
...Sex and Age related to the Distribution of the Black Death: The Black Death has been considered one of the most deadly and terrifying epidemics in human history, killing over 30% of the Chinese population as well as 30-50% of the European population. Starting in 1347 and lasting through 1351, the Black Death epidemic rapidly spread, first starting in China and Central Asia and then moving westward. The Black Death has been extensively researched by thousands of historians, scientists, demographers and anthropologists and based on decades of research; the spread of the disease is believed to have originated from the Yersinia Pestis bacterium. The Yersinia Pestis bacterium is commonly found in flees which originates in the skin of various ground rodents. The bacterium comes in three forms bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. It initially spread from trading vessels and then to cities, villages, and eventually the countryside. The plague arouse so fast, people didn’t know what to do and assumed leaving their home was the best option, when in reality it caused even more of a problem. The effects of the plague lasted several decades after it was gone by causing major social, cultural, and economic problems all over the world. Despite all of the studies, researchers still have many questions on why and how the disease chose its victims and how it escalated so quickly. In order to understand the sexual mortality pattern of the Black Death plague one must look at two questions...
Words: 2183 - Pages: 9
