16. The Black Deathm, 1346-1353 (Over 70,000,000 Deaths)
Worldwide
The Black Death is often referenced in popular culture as a truly dark time for civilization. A staggering 70 to 200 million people are estimated to have died from the bubonic plague during this time, which spanned only seven years. Known to have originated in Asia, it jumped continents via fleas and rodents, especially on merchant ships. Urban centers were hard hit, especially if they relied on ports for trade between countries. This became a breeding ground for the bubonic plague, which flourished in these dirty environments, causing death and destruction in its wake without much understanding about why this was happening, particularly as a technology was far from where we are today.
The Black Death
17. Plague of Justinian, 541-542 (25,000,000 Deaths)
Worldwide
A little known historically frightening virus dates back to 541, killing 25 million people over the course of just twelve months. Once again, the bubonic plague was to blame, wiping out half the population of Europe. Port cities were vulnerable to the disease, as a breeding ground for rodents and fleas, and the Eastern Mediterranean population felt the wrath of this almost instantly since the first case was discovered. 5000 people were dropping dead each day, with some cities losing 1 in 4 citizens. Unfortunately, when it happened again in 1346, civilizations hadn’t learned much to prevent extensive death tolls.
Plague Of Justinian
