The Black DeathThe Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, attacked Europe in 1347. The Bubonic Plague was one of many plagues that would attack nearly the entire Eastern Hemisphere. The last plague hit a European city, Marseille in 1722. In 1347, the name "Black Death" or "Bubonic Plague"? was not used. During that time, they called the plague the Pestilence, or the Great Mortality. As we can see, the Black Death Plague has been around for about 650 years, and many are still unsure of the origin of this deadly plague. There are several explanations for the origins of the Black Death Plague. The first comes from medieval writers who believe it began in China because they considered China to be a land of magical events. Others thought it originated from earthquakes and fires. However, we all know that these explanations are just myths. But many historians agree that the deadly disease originated from infected rodents that migrated from the Middle East to the area between the Black and Caspian Seas. The plague was then spread to merchants traveling the Western trade routes (the approximate date given is around 1347). Then the disease passed from merchants to Italian cities along the Black Sea. The "Black Death"? the plague quickly moved along other trade routes. However, through quarantine, some parts of Europe were saved from the disease. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Black Death was not as severe as when it first appeared. Doctors and investigators began to notice patterns in when the plague was most active and when it was "dormant." They discovered that the plague was strongest in the summer, absent in the winter. Investigators also noted that the plague was more prevalent in poorer, more crowded cities. Therefore governments established a system of quarantine and treatment of infected people. In the 16th century, quarantines were part of life. Cities began investigating anything suspicious. Travelers were expected to carry health certificates certifying that they had not been exposed to the deadly disease. Towards the end of the 16th century it was impossible to leave the quarantine zones. Starting in the late 17th century, European countries created a border between Europe and the lands from which the Black Death came. Anyone who attempted to cross the border without permission was shot.