Death Arrives in Europe

…three galleys horribly infected and heavily laden with spices and other goods landed at the port of Genoa, after having been forcibly expelled from eastern parts. When the Genoese observed that these sailors and other men were suddenly succumbing without remedy, they were expelled from that port with flaming arrows and diverse engines of war, because anyone who dared touch them or have any business dealings with them immediately died…In the meantime, having joined up with the other two that it found wandering on the sea, these remaining ships, it is said, are traveling toward the Atlantic Ocean via Spain…These galleys have left behind in the wake of their entire journey so much infection, especially in maritime cities and places — first in Greece, then in Sicily and in Italy, particularly in Tuscany, and subsequently Marseille, and as a consequence through all of Languedoc — that the duration and terror it holds form men can scarcely be believed, let along describes.”

- Louis Sanctus. Letter of 27 April, 1348. Aberth, Source 4)

“…on December 31, in the year of our Lord, 1348…

The port of Genoa, Italy. Colored woodcut, 15th c.

Animation:

the Plague arrives in folkloric perspective