This article is part of a fortnightly column exploring contemporary concepts and issues in genetics.
The ‘black death’, or the Great Plague, of the 14th century, was one of the deadliest epidemics in human history. It’s a clear example of the profound influence infectious disease outbreaks can have on society, economy, and culture. It was also probably one of the most impactful epidemics, considering it left an indelible mark on humankind and shaped the collective memory of many subsequent generations.
The ‘black death’ is believed to have killed more than 25 million people in Europe and possibly up to 40-50% of the population in some of the continent’s major cities.
