Genesis 7 says, "And all flesh died that moved upon the earth,…." That was very nearly the case as one-third of the people, along with dogs, cats, pigs, and even camels died in the first great sweep of the plague through Europe. In the autumn of 1347 the plague arrived in Sicily from Caffa on the Black Sea. In less than four years, it pillaged through Europe, into England, across to Scandinavia, down through Germany and Switzerland, then burned itself out as suddenly as it had come. The Black Death reached Caffa from central Russia, carried by marmots, then rats. Genoese sailors were infected in Caffa, and brought it back to Europe along their extensive trade routes.
Yersinia pestis, the black rat flea, was the major carrier. Three major factors led to the rapid spread of the disease. First, the Mongol hordes featured increased mobility, with the ability to cover large areas quickly. Environmental issues (bad weather principally) caused an increase in the number of rats. Social and demographic issues included a population density which led to incredibly dirty living conditions [Medieval Paris named a number of streets after human waste, rue Merdeux, for example.]. Malnutrition was rampant because the population had outstripped the ability to produce sufficient food. This Malthusian problem was not elucidated until near the end of the book. Finally, war increased stress levels, dirty bodies, and the presence of human remains. All these factors created the perfect conditions for breeding rats, then fleas, then plague.
The plague came in three forms, bubonic plague being the most common. It created buboes, or "swellings" in the armpits and groin. Its mortality rate was about 60%. Pneumonic plague began as bubonic, but morphed into a respiratory event. The mortality rate was 95 - 100% and killed within a couple of days. Septicemic plague entered the bloodstream and killed 100% of its victims. Those who were affected were lucky to survive, but the survivors have done modern man a favor. Caucasians with an ancestor who survived the plague are now immune to the plague and to HIV.
The plague moved fast in the 14th Century, 2 - 2.5 miles per day. By contrast, an outbreak in India in the late 19th Century moved no more than 8 miles per year. Villagers in India could move just outside their village and wait for the plague to burn itself out. In Florence, Italy, Giovanni Villani wrote these words, "Slipping under Florence's three sets of walls on a grim March day, (the plague) toured the city like a conquering King Death. It killed with the speed of fire racing through a dry or oily substance. And, the plague lasted until..." He never finished the sentence.
The plague moved fast in the 14th Century, 2 - 2.5 miles per day. By contrast, an outbreak in India in the late 19th Century moved no more than 8 miles per year. Villagers in India could move just outside their village and wait for the plague to burn itself out. In Florence, Italy, Giovanni Villani wrote these words, "Slipping under Florence's three sets of walls on a grim March day, (the plague) toured the city like a conquering King Death. It killed with the speed of fire racing through a dry or oily substance. And, the plague lasted until..." He never finished the sentence.
John Kelly has researched his story accurately and extensively, but the narrative often confuses the story he is trying to tell. Kelly wanders about, back and forth, in time and place. In doing so, he frequently gives more information than is needed for a cogent narrative. In showing the speed at which the plague moved, for example, he mixes kilometers and miles. Verb tenses are sometimes present, then past, occasionally both in one paragraph. It can be confusing.
Kelly does an excellent job of pointing out the negatives associated with the plague. The population was decimated. As much as 25 million of Europe's 75 million inhabitants died, often in painful and horrifying conditions. In some places, up to 60% died. There was a severe deterioration of the physical infrastructure. Buildings, bridges, and barns began literally to crumble from lack of upkeep. The cost of labor increased since there were so few able to work. Consumer prices rose for the same reason.
Kelly does an excellent job of pointing out the negatives associated with the plague. The population was decimated. As much as 25 million of Europe's 75 million inhabitants died, often in painful and horrifying conditions. In some places, up to 60% died. There was a severe deterioration of the physical infrastructure. Buildings, bridges, and barns began literally to crumble from lack of upkeep. The cost of labor increased since there were so few able to work. Consumer prices rose for the same reason.
