Mongol Empire's Infrastructure and Trade Networks Accelerated the Black Death's Spread Across Eurasia
The Black Death pandemic of the 14th century, instigated by Yersinia pestis, swiftly traversed Asia and Europe, largely due to the interconnectedness of the Mongol Empire. It is believed to have begun in the Tibetan Plateau and was introduced to China following Mongol invasions that commenced in 1205. Under Genghis Khan's leadership, the Mongol Empire developed yams that significantly shortened travel times, enhancing trade. The ortaq system attracted European traders, particularly from Venice, Genoa, and Sicily, to engage in commerce within Mongol regions such as Crimea. In October 1347, plague-infested Genoese vessels from Crimea arrived in Messina, Sicily, with bacteria able to survive for months on goods, facilitating the disease's spread through contact, intensified by Mongol trade practices.
Key facts
- The Black Death was caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria, which can survive for months without a host.
- The Mongol Empire, unified under Genghis Khan (Temujin) by 1205, created extensive trade networks across Eurasia.
- The plague likely originated in the Tibetan Plateau and was carried to China by Mongol invasions beginning in 1205.
- Mongol yams (way stations) reduced travel time from Russia to Karakorum from 80 days to several weeks.
- The Mongol ortaq system licensed European merchants, increasing trade in areas like Crimea.
- Genoese ships from Crimea brought the plague to Messina, Sicily in October 1347.
- The bacteria spread through multiple vectors including contaminated goods, droplet infection, and fleas.
- Chinese 13th-century health records recommend rhubarb to treat plague symptoms like boils.
Entities
Artists
- Giovanni Boccaccio
- Josse Lieferinxe
- Luigi Sabatelli
- Pieter Bruegel the Elder
- Cornelis de Wael
- Jean-Pierre Moynet
- Louis Duveau
- M. A. Burnett
Institutions
- Wikimedia Commons
- PICRYL
- Museo Del Prado
- Project MUSE
- JSTOR
- Bloomsbury
- Harper Tourchbooks
- The Medieval Globe
- RCC Perspectives
Locations
- Mongolia
- China
- Tibetan Plateau
- Qingzang Plateau
- Crimea
- Crimean Peninsula
- Feodosia
- Caffa
- Sicily
- Messina
- Catania
- Genoa
- Italy
- Lomellina
- France
- England
- Russia
- Karakorum
- Black Sea
- Mediterranean
- Levant
- Western Xia
- Tangut
- Karakoram
- Spain
- Elliant