The document discusses the Black Death pandemic that occurred in Europe between 1348-1350. It began in Central Asia and was carried along trade routes, spreading from Italian port cities across Europe. The Black Death was likely caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis carried by fleas on rodents. It resulted in approximately 30 million deaths across Europe and depopulated some villages entirely. The pandemic had major economic and social impacts and was reflected in art and literature of the time.