Living History: Bubonic Plague and Black Death

One of the most important and transformative moments in European history, the Black Death continues to fascinate and intrigue.

Read here and here about the Black Death, taking careful note of its causes, consequences, and overall effect on Europe and the world. Find more history from "The Plague," a recent History Channel documentary.

In class we will read and discuss this account from Florence and this document from Pistoia, Italy. Fill out a primary document analysis form.

There is also a series of paintings--more or less a medieval comic strip that tells a story--called the medieveal "dance of death" that illustrates how Europeans processed this calamity and tragedy. And to liven up the discussion here's a great 5-minute YouTube documentary about the Black Death put together by a teacher and students and a brief clip from the History Channel's "The Plague."