The Great Pestilence (A.D. 1348-9), Now Commonly Known as the Black Death
CHAPTER I.
THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE EPIDEMIC.
First reports as to the sickness — General account of the epidemic in eastern countries — The great trade routes between Asia and Europe — The plague in the Crimea — Tartar siege of Caffa — Origin of the name "Black Death" — Symptoms of the disease — Constantinople is attacked; account of the epidemic by the Emperor Cantacuzene — Genoese traders carry the infection to Sicily — Effect in Messina and Catania 1-15