|
|
|
|
Between 1348 and the early 15th century, close to 40% of the population of western Europe was killed by the Black Death. People had no idea what the bubonic plague was, how it was transmitted, or how to treat someone who suffered from it. The fear inspired by the disease itself, and by the responses to it – including fanatical public flagellation – influenced European attitudes and religious beliefs for centuries. The sharp reduction in population changed fundamental social, economic, and political patterns. Increased demand and reduced supply of luxury goods brought more power and wealth to cities and to skilled artisans; the landed nobility was further marginalized, as demand for food diminished.
|