The Misinterpretation of the Bubonic Plague: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Black Death
The Misinterpretation of the Bubonic Plague: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Black Death The bubonic plague, historically known as the Black Death, ravaged Europe in the 14th century, causing an unprecedented mortality rate. Despite extensive research, much of the understanding surrounding its spread has been clouded by a misinterpretation of medieval literature. How a Medieval Poem Misled Generations of Historians A recent study has brought to light how a particular 14th-century narrative led historians to mistakenly perceive the nature and spread of the bubonic plague for over 700 years. This medieval poem, initially believed to be a factual account, has set a precedent that inaccurately shaped the historical discourse surrounding the Black Death. One key element of the misunderstanding relates to the transmission of the plague. Many historians have attributed the rapid spread to societal factors, overlooking the critical role o...