1.  The plague was one of the worst natural disasters in history. This disease swept through Europe beginning in 1347.  It was first seen in China in 1331 and in 15 years had spread across Asia to the Black Sea, then to Italy, then to Northern Europe and England.  Use your map and color the appropriate spots the plague spread.

4. IMAGINE… ALL YOUR BEST FRIENDS HAVE DIED FROM AN ILLNESS NO ONE CAN EXPLAIN. 3

5.  People started to call it the Black Death because black spots formed under the skin from internal bleeding.

6.  IMAGINE…  EGG-SIZED BLACK SWELLINGS YOUR GROINS AND ARMPITS. 4

7. 1.) Bubonic: The Bubonic Plague was the most common form of the Black Death. The mortality rate was 30- 75%. The symptoms included enlarged or inflamed lymph nodes. The term “bubonic” refers to the characteristic bubo or enlarged lymphatic gland.

8. 2.) Pneumonic: This was the second most commonly seen form of the Black Death. The mortality rate was 90-95%. The pneumonic plague affected the lungs. 3.) Septicemic: This was the most rare form of the disease. The mortality rate was close to 100%. Symptoms were high fever and skin turning deep shades of purple.

9. BLOOD AND PUS OOZE FROM THESE TUMORS. YOUR FRIENDS ARE IN SUCH AGONIZING PAIN THAT THEIR SCREAMS TEAR THROUGH YOU ! 6

10. EVERYTHINGEVERYTHING THAT COMES OUT OF THEIR BODIES… SWEAT, BLOOD, EXCREMENT… SMELLS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE !! 8

11.  The plague mainly affects rodents, but fleas can transmit the disease to people. The Oriental Rat Flea

12.  Since China was one of the world’s busiest trading nations, it was only a matter of time before the outbreak of the plague in China spread to western Asia and Europe.  In October of 1347, several Italian merchant ships returned from a trip to the Black Sea, one of the key links in trade with China.  It had spread to the Black Sea along the Silk Road.  When the ships docked in Sicily, many of those on board were already dying of the plague.

14.  After five years (1347 - 1352) 25 million people or one- third of Europe’s population died of the Black Death.

15.  People were ignorant about its causes; they blamed the stars, God’s anger, and different religious groups.  Ineffective cures were tried such as pomanders, flagellation, and repentance of sins.pomanders Doctor’s Uniform

16.  Population Decrease  (25 million people died, one-third of Europe population in 5 years from 1347-1352)  The Economy  Labor Shortages (valuable artisan skills disappeared)  Workers demanded Higher Wages, Landlords Refused those Demands  Peasants Revolted and Demanded more Freedom  Working Class Moved to Cities to Earn Better Wages  Lack of Sufficient Law Enforcement (People called “Bechini” pillaged homes and murdered people.)

17.  STARVING DOGS ATE INFECTED BODIES AND THEN THEY DIED. 37

18. WWOLVES CAME DOWN FROM THE HILLS TO FIND FOOD, BUT FLED, HOWLING, AWAY FROM THE DISEASED BODIES. 38

19.  Power of the Feudal Lords Reduced  Farmers Diversified their Crops  A new period of Political Turmoil and Philosophical Questioning lay ahead in Europe

20.  One of the groups that suffered the most was the Christian Church.  The Church lost:  Prestige  Spiritual Authority  Leadership over the People

21.  The Church promised cures, treatments, and an explanation for the plague.  They said it was God’s will, but the reason for this awful punishment was unknown.  People wanted answers but the priests and bishops couldn’t offer any. Many clergy members fled.  People prayed to God and begged for forgiveness.  After the plague, many angry and frustrated villagers revolted against the Church.

22. Where did it happen? Why did it happen? How did it happen?Who was involved in the event? When did it happen? What happened? Event

23.  Imagine you are a newspaper reporter for the Medieval Times.  You must report on the Black Death and its effects throughout Europe.  Your newspaper article must have a thesis in the first paragraph. It should also have at least 3 concrete details. (minimum 3 paragraphs)  Your article must have a headline and picture.

24.  A mixture of aromatic substances enclosed in a bag or box as a protection against odor or infection, formerly worn on one's person but now usually placed in a dresser drawer or closet. returnreturn