Faculty Publications

Revisiting the Medieval Black Death of 1347-1351: Spatiotemporal Dynamics Suggestive of an Alternate Causation

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Geography Compass

Volume

4

Issue

6

First Page

561

Last Page

575

Abstract

Recent research points to multiple inconsistencies regarding modern Yersinia pestis (in Bubonic, Pneumonic, or Septicemic Plague variants) as a causative agent for the Medieval Black Death (MBD). Published arguments at odds with a Y. pestis-caused epidemic include differences in recorded periodicity, seasonal mortality peaks, relevant biogeographical details, genetic findings, and spatiotemporal dynamics, among other inconsistencies. Here, we describe and expand on some of the recent literature noting these items. In addition, we discuss preliminary research related to our recently published theory, in which we agree with research suggesting that the MBD was caused by a virus, not a bacterium, and elucidate our contention that seasonal changes and medieval human trade patterns controlled the timing of peak mortality during the MBD and subsequent 'plagues'. Epidemic evidence from the first epidemic wave and later outbreaks is presented in support of our hypothesis. © 2010 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Department

Department of Geography

Original Publication Date

6-1-2010

DOI of published version

10.1111/j.1749-8198.2010.00335.x

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