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Year 7 - History

The arrival of the Black Death

The Black Death and the Silk Road: how connected was the medieval world?

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils analyse the connections that existed in the medieval world by looking at the transmission and impact of the Black Death. They learn about its spread across the Silk Roads and in doing so develop their understanding of how trade and communication connected the medieval world.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the relationship between the Silk Road and the Black Death.

Key Notes

  • The origins of the Black Death have only recently become clearer.
  • The Black Death affected people in the Middle East, China and Central Asia as well as Europe.
  • Some historians have argued that the Black Death arrived in Europe along the Silk Road.
  • The Black Death killed up to half the population of Europe.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • plague: a plague is a serious contagious disease that can kill many people
  • Black Death: the Black Death was the name given to a plague pandemic which occurred between 1348 and 1353

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Black Death only affected Europe.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The origins of the Black Death have only recently become clearer. The Black Death affected people in the Middle East, China and Central Asia as well as Europe.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'plague'

a plague is a serious contagious disease that can kill many people.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: The Black Death only affected Europe. Correction: European records from the time are numerous and detailed, so we have a very clear idea about the impact of the Black Death on Europe. However, the Black Death affected a large geographic area, including places without detailed records of the impact.

More Lessons In This Unit

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