BLACK PLAGUES Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Black Plagues" refers to a historical outbreak of devastating epidemics, notably the Black Death, that occurred during the Middle Ages. It is often used interchangeably with the term "Black Death," although some consider it as a broader category encompassing other similar epidemics of the time.
The Black Plagues primarily refer to a series of outbreaks of bubonic plague that ravaged Europe during the 14th century. The initial episode, known as the Great Mortality or the Great Pestilence, struck Europe between 1347 and 1351 and caused the death of millions of people. It is estimated that the Black Death killed around one-third of Europe's population during this period.
The plague was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which was primarily transmitted by fleas that infested black rats. Infected individuals displayed symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes (buboes), skin discoloration, respiratory problems, and severe septicemia. The devastating impact of the Black Plagues on society included economic collapse, diminished agricultural output, disruptions in trade, social upheaval, and a decline in the authority of the church.
While the term "Black Plagues" is primarily associated with the historical outbreaks in Europe, it can also be used to describe other similar epidemics that occurred outside of Europe, such as the pandemic that struck Justinian's Byzantine Empire in the 6th century or the various epidemics that plagued Asia and Africa throughout history.
Common Misspellings for BLACK PLAGUES
- blak plague
- black plague
- vlack plagues
- nlack plagues
- hlack plagues
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- bkack plagues
- bpack plagues
- boack plagues
- blzck plagues
- blsck plagues
- blwck plagues
- blqck plagues
- blaxk plagues
- blavk plagues
- blafk plagues
- bladk plagues
- blacj plagues
- blacm plagues
- blacl plagues
Etymology of BLACK PLAGUES
The term "Black Plagues" is usually used to refer to the outbreaks of the bubonic plague that occurred in Europe during the 14th century. However, it is important to note that historically, this term was not commonly used during the actual time of the plague. The word "plague" comes from the Latin word "plaga", meaning "stroke" or "blow".
The adjective "black" in "Black Plagues" likely refers to the characteristic symptom of the bubonic plague, which was the development of black, necrotic patches on the skin. These patches were caused by internal bleeding and gangrene. The term "Black Death" is also used interchangeably with "Black Plagues" to describe the same historical events.
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