Black Death Epidemic of the 14th Century In 1300, multiple epidemics of the Black Death appeared. For example, in the 13th century, an epidemic in China killed a third of the population. Several dates before this time showed that the disease was present years ago in Europe. Dying from the plague frightened most people and Jordan Mcmullin, an author, points out: “Whenever the plague appeared, the sadness of death was terrifying” (Mcmullin n.pag.). Death has always been scary, but when a country is plagued by disease, death becomes a terrible fear. The plague scared the people of 541 and 542 when their plague epidemic spread. Therefore, while other outbreaks of the Black Death occurred, the one in 14th century Europe was certainly the worst. Before the Black Death, living in Britain was interesting and positive but not always pleasant. There were too many people and it was too dirty, Britain was disgusting and unsanitary to its citizens for a long time, even before the disease spread to Europe (Ibeji n.pag.). So, with Britain being so dirty, it was easier for this disease to spread. European citizens had no idea what awaited them. Many people were unprepared for the cultural changes associated with the disease and were shocked that the disease would even reach their towns. In 1347, Europe began to see what the plague had in store for them. Terrible results came when citizens caught the plague caused by fleas. The transfer of fleas to humans caused the outbreak of the Black Death. Infections caught by rodents were transmitted to fleas, which found a host to bite and spread the terrible disease (“Black Death”, n.pag.). When the Genoese ships returned to Europe from China, with dead sailors and...... middle of paper ......Works CitedBridge, Deirde of Spean. “And a ship came with death.” Renaissance (Vol.1, No.4, Issue 4).1996:11-15 SIRS Discoverer. Internet. March 3, 2014.Byrne, Joseph Patrick. Daily life during the Black Death. British Library Catalogue, 2006.Web. March 4, 2014.Deeringer, Martha. “The Black Death.” Learning through History Vol. 4, no. 6 November/December 2008: 28-30. SIRS discoverer. Internet. March 3, 2014.Ibeji, Mike. “Black Death: political and social changes”. BBC News. BBC, February 17, 2011. SIRSDiscoverer. Internet. 03. March 2014.Kirka, Danica. “London railway workers discover probable burial pit for plague.” Lincoin Mail. March 15, 2013: np SIRS Discoverer. Internet. March 3, 2014. Mcmullin, Jordan. The Black Death. FarmingtonHills: Greenhaven Press, 2003. Print. “Plague the Black Death.” National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 1996-2014. Internet. March 3. 2014.