Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. During the 6th century, Europe was struck by the first recorded pandemics (global disease outbreaks) in human history. In 541 A.D., the Bubonic "Plague of Justinian" killed 1/4 of the Eastern Mediterranean population. In 588 A.D., up to 25 million people perished in a second major outbreak in France. The disease lay dormant until the mid 14th century, whereupon it broke out and lasted over 4 agonizing years. Where is generally accepted as the breakout location?
2. Historians and scientists studying the Black Death of 1347-51 have been puzzled by the high mortality rate, with 1/3 of Europe's population dead by the end of 1351, roughly some 33 million people. In addition to Bubonic, which form(s) were suspected to be also present?
3. Historically, when a human being contracted the Bubonic Plague, death was likely imminent. What was the fate of the other two in the cycle, the rat (black rat-Rattus Rattus, Brown rat-Rattus Norvegicus) and the flea (Xenopsylla Cheopsis)?
4. The misery and panic of 1347-1351 were made worse by the fact that no one knew what was causing the Bubonic epidemic. Yet, some initial efforts to combat the disease yielded minor positive results. Which of these was helpful?
5. The Black Death did not discriminate. Among rich and poor, young and old, Jews and Christians, it left a trail of destruction in its path. People of high station and prominence were not excluded either. Who was the only reigning monarch in Europe to die of the Plague of 1347-1351?
6. Bubonic Plague is a disease primarily carried by rodents. Which rodent is believed to carry the most deadly strains of the disease?
7. The Great Plague of London in 1665-1666 is considered one of the last major outbreaks in recent memory. Between September 2-5, 1666, the Great Fire of London virtually destroyed the city. This caused a significant decrease in Plague illnesses. A popular theory is that the fire killed off which of these?
8. There is a popular children's nursery rhyme that has been traditionally linked (without evidence) to the Black Death of 1347-51 and the London Plague of 1665-1666. Which rhyme is it?
9. Although the Black Death of 1347-51 killed an estimated 33 million people, a 20th century phenomenon was responsible for more deaths than any other single occurrence. What was this terrible disaster?
10. Some scientists have speculated that the Black Death was a large scale outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus. First reported in 1976, only one of the current strains of Ebola does not affect humans. Which one?
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