Why the Black Death Was WORSE Than You Think

Get early episodes & ad-free audio on Patreon: https://patreon.com/DrowsyHistorian The Black Death is often remembered as a single medieval catastrophe — a four-year nightmare between 1347 and 1351 that killed a third of Europe. But the reality was worse. Faster, stranger, and longer-lasting than the legend, the plague reshaped entire generations. In this video, we’ll trace its journey from the Silk Road to the shores of Europe, explore its grotesque symptoms, uncover the staggering death toll, and follow the cycles of famine, war, and social collapse that made it worse than most people realize. From empty villages to skeletons painted on church walls, the Black Death was not just one disaster, but centuries of recurring trauma that redefined culture, faith, and everyday life. 🛏️ Drowsy Historian’s Favorite Sleep Tools Looking to upgrade your nighttime routine? These are a few things I personally use or recommend: • Sleep Earbuds for Enhanced Immersion → https://amzn.to/4pVFoJy • Blanket Soft Enough to Make the Plague Feel Tolerable → https://amzn.to/3GSOq8f • Weighted Blanket for Pretending You’re a Mummified Pharaoh → https://amzn.to/4kVJCgE • Sleep Mask Headphones For Total Historical Escape → https://amzn.to/4nWsNVn • Book Light for Reading About Plagues at 2AM → https://amzn.to/4eSg0iu • White Noise Machine for Blocking Out the 21st Century → https://amzn.to/3GJ9jTw These are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show while staying cozy. #BlackDeath #MedievalHistory #DrowsyHistorian #HistoryForSleep #PlagueHistory