The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. It swept through Europe in the mid-14th century, wiping out an estimated 25 million people – nearly a third of the continent's population. The disease was caused by a bacterium carried by fleas on rats, which spread rapidly through crowded and unsanitary cities. Symptoms included fever, chills, and the formation of painful, pus-filled boils. Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, including quarantine measures and the burning of infected belongings, the Black Death continued to ravage communities for several years. The devastating impact of the pandemic led to social, economic, and political upheaval, forever altering the course of history.
