The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was a deadly pandemic that occurred in the 14th century. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and spread through fleas that infested black rats. The disease originated in Central Asia and then spread to Europe, causing a significant loss of human life. It is estimated that the Black Death wiped out approximately 75-200 million people, resulting in a major demographic, economic, and social impact on affected regions. The symptoms of the disease included high fever, swollen lymph nodes (buboes), and the development of dark patches on the skin, hence the name "Black Death."
