The Plague During The Middle Ages

The plague, or Black Death, as it became known, was a devastating disease that killed approximately 19-38 million people in the 1300's. At first, it was thought to have traveled from the Silk Road, but actually came from trade ships returning from China. At the height of the Middle Ages, the Black Death spread quickly across Europe and Asia. Researchers believe that the plague began first in China and was carried by fleas, which then infected rats. During the Middle Ages, rats were in large numbers and were common on trade ships and caravans bringing goods from China to other countries, like Italy, France, Germany, and England.

The Black Death affected millions of people. Once the plague broke out in China, one half of the population died. Rumors of a great plague had made their way to Italy even before the first "death ships" arrived carrying infected sailors. Once these ships docked, Italy turned them away, but it was too late. The disease began to spread throughout Italy and the rest of Europe. The plague was extremely contagious and no one was immune. Men, women, and children all were capable of catching the disease and many did. Even the animals, like cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens were not immune and many died from the plague. During the
Panic grew throughout Europe and Asia. Superstitions arose as to how or why the plague was spreading. Some said it was God punishing people for their sins. Some thought that the disease was spread through water and that people should avoid going out at night because even the dew was dangerous. People designed Middle Age protective suits which covered their bodies from head to toe and had special compartments for herbs and spices thought to ward off the disease. Religious ornaments were also a part of these suits. Red ruby eyes were applied to the mask in the hope that they would receive a blessing from God. Priests also wore red ruby rings for the same