Commonly referred to as the black leg or black plague.
Caused by a bacterium, referenced as "bacteria."
Blame for the Plague Spread
Misplaced blame primarily directed at:
Jewish population, accused of being the spreaders of the plague despite no evidence.
The truth was that the plague was spread by those traveling and trading during that period.
Social Hierarchy Changes Because of the Plague
The impact of the plague on the social structure:
Significant death toll among the commoners altered the social hierarchy, leading to:
Increased worth of remaining common workers due to labor shortages.
Ability of the surviving commoners to demand better working conditions and wages.
Transition from feudalism due to the plague’s effects:
Dismantling of feudalism as surviving peasants gained leverage in the workforce.
Personal Reflections on the Black Plague
Emotional Impact
Discussion of the emotional strain it caused, especially in family dynamics:
Individuals often abandoned their children in fear of contagion.
Observations on maternal instincts and the lengths to which a parent might go to ensure the survival of a child.
Group Activities: Explorers
Introduction to Key Explorers
Topics to cover include:
Marco Polo
Ibn Battuta
Zheng He (referred to as Jungkook)
Group divided into thirds, each focusing on one explorer.
Emphasis on reading biographies provided in unit six readings.
Collaboration expected in groups to share information with the class.
Marco Polo
Basic Information
Marco Polo began his travels at age 17 and traveled for 24 years.
Born in 1254, returned in 1295 (12/17 to '41 related to significant years).
Journey and Contributions
Influential as one of the first Westerners to travel the Silk Road.
Worked under Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor.
Background as a merchant with familial ties to previous traders (father and uncle were merchants).
Description of his return home and adjustment to Italian society:
Absence of knowledge of language and customs contributed to his initial struggles.
Wealth and clothing facilitated acceptance upon return.
Accounts and Legacy
Recorded his experiences through a partnership with Rustichello, a fellow inmate during his imprisonment.
His narratives included descriptions of unknown cultural practices in Europe, including:
Use of coal
Paper money
Lasting influence on future explorers, notably:
Inspired Christopher Columbus, who believed he could reach Asia.
Influence in Cultural Context
Marco Polo’s legacy is characterized by effective storytelling and cultural description, impacting European knowledge significantly.
Ibn Battuta
Basic Information
Renowned Islamic scholar and traveler.
Travelled extensively through the Islamic realm, including:
Cities like Mecca, Cairo, Samarkand, Constantinople, etc.
Had personal accounts that blend narrative with cultural insights, although his claims to certain travels beyond Morocco to China are considered exaggerated.
Zheng He (Jungkook)
Early Life and Voyages
Born in Yunnan and began voyages in 1405 under the Ming dynasty.
Conducted seven expeditions through the Indian Ocean.
Aimed to gain recognition and respect for the Ming dynasty.
Historical Significance
Commanded massive ships, known for their size and capability.
His expeditions had the potential to colonize areas like the Americas.
Highlighted cultural exchange and maritime capabilities of the Ming dynasty at the time, juxtaposed with contemporary European maritime exploration.
Legacy and Influence
Became a legendary figure within historical narratives, showcasing the vast reach and influence of the Ming dynasty during the early 15th century.
Contrast between Marco Polo and Zheng He's accounts showcases differing backgrounds and the variety in historical documentation of explorations.