Is the bubonic plague the greatest catastrophe in history? The disastrous mortal disease known as Black Death spread across Europe in the years 1346 to 1353. The frightening name, however only came several centuries after its visitation. Chronicles and letters from the time describe the terror wrought by the illness. As the great Renaissance poet Petrarch wrote, ‘O happy posterity, who will not experience suck abysmal woe and will look upon our testimony as a fable.’ (14th century). Using specific
their hearts, and chilled their souls” (Cunningham 53). With these words, author Kevin Cunningham summarized one of the most catastrophic events in the world. The Black Plague, also known as the Black Death, was an epidemic of apocalyptic proportion. Whether they were young or old, rich or poor, it did not matter. The Black Plague was a detrimental epidemic that affected every social class and still wreaks havoc to this day. The Black Death spread through England from 1346 through 1353 (Benedictow
than it's initial growth 300 years prior. As part of the aftermath, many rural villages were left underpopulated, many pits were left full of dead bodies, that are still there to this day. The church was in shambles after the recent events of the plague. d) Yes. No matter what, you're not going to get an exact death count, if each parish record is averaged out it will give a slightly accurate approximation, that although isn't perfect, but gives a rough idea of the extent of the black death. e)