The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was a devastating pandemic that swept across Europe in the 14th century. Originating in Asia, it was brought to Europe via trade routes and reduced the continent's population by an estimated 50%. The plague was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, transmitted through the bite of infected fleas that lived on black rats. The bacteria would multiply in a victim's lymph nodes, causing them to swell into 'buboes' - a distinguishing symptom of the disease. The death toll was tremendous, causing socio-economic upheaval. Trade declined due to fear of contagion, and the severe reduction in labor caused a rise in wages. Political instability ensued as authority was questioned, and religious doubts spread as prayers seemed to go unanswered. Yet, out of this devastation emerged scientific advances. The plague spurred the development of public health measures and the practice of quarantine. In the 19th century, Alexandre Yersin discovered the bacterium responsible, paving the way for antibiotics. The Bubonic Plague also left a deep cultural imprint, as artists and writers began to reflect the mortality and existential dread of the era in their works. The dance of death, or 'danse macabre', became a common motif in art, symbolizing the universality of death. The Bubonic Plague was a scourge that forever shaped the course of human history, influencing society, science, and culture in profound ways.