The Black Death, a plague from 1346 to 1353, is one of the most deadly diseases ever documented, killing over 40% of the population in Europe. After getting the disease during this pandemic, victims would have symptoms of high fever, rash, and buboes or swellings in the armpits and groin. After developing these, the infected person would often die in less than three days. The disease spreads throughout small villages, seaports, families, and cities, infecting many rapidly (Kelly, pg 21). The historical non-fiction book "The Great Mortality" by John Kelly unravels the details of the bubonic plague, showing the differences and similarities of the plague and its effects in different parts of Europe. It also discusses the possible origins of the…show more content… It entered Europe through the Mediterranean ports and the trading city of Sicily. The disease quickly spread throughout the Italian peninsula, affecting cities like Genoa and Venice, major trade centers. From Italy, the Black Death spread rapidly across Europe via trade routes, imports, and overland travel. Within a few years, it had reached nearly every corner of the continent. Ports, trade hubs, and densely populated urban areas were particularly hit due to the ease of transmission in crowded and unsanitary conditions. The Black Death likely reached the Mediterranean and Europe through multiple transmission routes other than the Silk Road. People migrated to escape the virus or to different opportunities, such as travel, war, and trading. After the Black Death hit Europe, over 30% of its population was killed by the bacteria. Some cities and towns were even wholly wiped out. This disease also sparked a break in communities because of social and cultural differences. Since the trade routes were also disrupted, Europe's economic decline began, with more labor shortages (Kelly, pg 11). Though medical knowledge was limited, authorities took steps like quarantine, isolation, and sanitation to control
