10 Times Animals Changed the Course of History

2. The Bubonic Plague: Rats and Fleas Altering Medieval Europe

In the 14th century, the Bubonic Plague, also known as the Black Death, decimated Europe's population, killing an estimated 25 million people. This catastrophic event was facilitated by the common rat and its parasitic companion, the flea. As trade routes expanded, rats infested ships and caravans, carrying fleas infected with the Yersinia pestis bacterium across continents. The plague's rapid spread led to widespread social, economic, and religious upheaval. Entire villages were wiped out, labor shortages disrupted feudal systems, and the Church's influence waned as it failed to provide answers or relief. This period of crisis forced societies to adapt, leading to significant changes in labor practices, with increased wages and better working conditions for peasants. The plague also paved the way for the Renaissance by challenging existing structures and encouraging a shift towards humanism and scientific inquiry. Thus, the humble rat and flea played a crucial role in reshaping medieval Europe, setting the stage for modernity.