The Black Death
The historical and biological communities are currently split over whether bubonic plague was responsible for the 'Black Death', a series of great plagues that, most famously, killed approximately a third of all Europeans in the fourteenth century. The resources below include both those supporting the bubonic argument, as well as those against it.
Black Death and Medieval Europe
Arguably the best Black Death introduction on the web, Skip Knox's essay is split into 23 easily digested section, covering everything from the symptoms, where was affected, flagellants and the effects on economy and culture.
Arguably the best Black Death introduction on the web, Skip Knox's essay is split into 23 easily digested section, covering everything from the symptoms, where was affected, flagellants and the effects on economy and culture.
Black Death in Britain
A ten page article from the BBC which mixes narrative, quotation and explanation to teach the story of the Black Death in Britain; there are individual pages on Scotland, Ireland and Wales. However, you'll need to read two further BBC articles to get a good picture: 'The Effect of the Plague' and 'The Disease'.
A ten page article from the BBC which mixes narrative, quotation and explanation to teach the story of the Black Death in Britain; there are individual pages on Scotland, Ireland and Wales. However, you'll need to read two further BBC articles to get a good picture: 'The Effect of the Plague' and 'The Disease'.
The Shifting Explanations for the Black Death
John Kelly has adapted this 'pro-plague' assessment of the Black Death from his book 'The Great Mortality'. Within, he tackles (and arguably refutes) many of the anti-plague arguments.
John Kelly has adapted this 'pro-plague' assessment of the Black Death from his book 'The Great Mortality'. Within, he tackles (and arguably refutes) many of the anti-plague arguments.