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
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