The Black Death: Origins and Misconceptions

This chapter examines the origins of the Black Death, tracing its journey from Central Asia to Europe via the Genoese. It critiques the medical practices and theories of the time, including the reliance on cosmic explanations and the peculiar measures taken to combat the plague. Additionally, it highlights the tragic persecution of Jewish communities and the societal impact of the pandemic, illustrating how fear and desperation influenced people's actions during this devastating time.