Black Death: The Disease That Wiped Out Half Of Europe | Secrets in the Bones | Absolute History

It was called the Black Death, a disease that started in the 14th century, and swept across Europe wiping out half the population, one of the most lethal killers in human history. But the cause of the Black Death has eluded scientists. Now, Evolutionary biologist Hendrik Poinar embarks on an epic journey to solve the 600-year old mystery and change the way we fight infectious diseases today.

#AbsoluteHistory

[conniehopkins]

I saw another video about the Village of Eam in England. They quarantined themselves after the plague appeared because they wanted to protect other villages. Most of them died, but there were survivors. This documentary was about their descendants. It seems those ancient people were immune to plague and now the descendants are either very resistant to or immune to HIV. That is amazing.

[misspat]

9:00- Imagine seeing a horrific plague coming, one that kills 50% of everyone in a week, and having the presence of mind to think, “Whelp, better dig a lot of very big, very deep holes before it gets here!”. And doing so. With that workforce that will largely be gone in a year or two. 😰

[sarahfields]

Imagine filling out your customs form, "Anything to declare?" "Yes im carrying an extract of the Black death"

[McM-uu]

That's why your parents told you not to mess with dead animals. That didn't stop me but after watching this, I get it

[davidhayes]

The marvel really is that nearly half survived. Nearly half the population that were malnourished, weakened by the chronic diseases associated with filth, ignorance and an absence of sewerage. If you compare with Dutch Elm Disease (in trees) or other existential
trauma, then humanity did surprisingly well.

[sewprosper]

Next time, can you not have the "background" music so loud. It's supposed to complement not compete with the orator.

[Ghenesa]

there was no need for loud background music.

[bernardocarpio]

To all the casualties of the Black Death.Rest In Peace.!!

[a.evelyn]

Fun fact: Populations whose ancestors were decimated by the plague but also had survivors have been shown to be more resistant to HIV as it’s seemed to have changed something in their genes or immune response (sorry I don’t recall precisely).

[humansarehilarious]

Music is too loud. I cant hear the actual documentary properly

[sunnyquinn]

This is crazy, I was reading about bubonic plague on Wikipedia as I was watching this and just as I got to the sentence "Cats rarely develop clinical signs but can be infected." this video started telling Paul's story. 😯

[CheatingZubat]

"Alright, cut the cord. It is time for him to go." .... "LIKE HELL YOU WILL" as he wakes up.

[chrislewisunfiltered]

"Watching 'Secrets in the Bones' unfold the grim tale of the Black Death is a haunting but necessary reminder of the past. The impact of this devastating disease is still felt today, and understanding its history is crucial. Thanks to Absolute History for shedding light on this dark chapter. It's a somber yet educational journey through a harrowing time in human history, emphasizing the importance of science and resilience."

[mercerconsulting]

Unbelievable that they can extract DNA and sequence it like this.

[dorrin]

Covid: I am a deadly epidemic!!

Plague: Aww, junior. You're cute!!

[KenZchameleon]

I'd love to see an interview with the experts regarding covid vs black death

[Charmienckaieo-qrri]

Pauls spirit is unbreakable he's Incredible & much respect to him
I love how Paul cared for the cat❤️poor Paul but
I'm so glad he's alive❤️

[lindsaywarden]

The last outbreak of bubonic plague happened in a remote village in Suffolk. This was as recent as the early 1900s, before antibiotics.

[JustwatchingYouTube]

Bacteria and viruses exist only to reproduce. They do not have an agenda. They do not exist to kill their hosts because without hosts they cannot reproduce. This research is important because bacteria and viruses mutate, but it is important to understand these bacteria and viruses will always exist in some form; except smallpox because we actually put the effort into wiping out that disease, but as was pointed out, there will always be something ready to spread amongst us and as a side effect kill a lot of us.

[harrisonpeters]

Minor correction, Giovanni Boccacio was the Italian author, residing in Florence at that.time, who wrote "The Decameron". During the plague, which he survived, he described in detail how it impacted people's daily activities, as well as detailing the social breakdown coming on the heels of the spreading infection. It is required reading in ALL Italian. high schools. If you want a good cry, travel to San Gimignano to watch their free multi media presentation in the piazza of the fright and sadness those people experienced.