Why did people believe the black death happened?

The Black Death pandemic of the 1300s was a devastating event that is estimated to have killed between 75 and 200 million people, around 30-60% of the European population. The cause of the pandemic was not known at the time, and as such, there were many different theories and beliefs about why it had happened. Some of these include:

Divine punishment: Many religious people believed that the Black Death was a punishment from God for the sins of humanity. They believed that the disease was a sign of God's wrath, and that it would only end when people repented and reformed their ways.

Astrological influences: Some astronomers and astrologers believed that the alignment of the stars and planets had caused the Black Death. They believed that certain celestial events could influence human health and fate, and that the pandemic was a result of a particular configuration of the stars.

Natural causes: Other people believed that the Black Death was a natural occurrence, without any supernatural or celestial causes. Some thought it was caused by a poisonous vapor that had spread from the East, while others believed it was caused by a change in the climate, such as a drought or flood.

Witchcraft and sorcery: Some people blamed witchcraft and sorcery for the Black Death, and believed that it was caused by evil spirits or malevolent people. This led to outbreaks of witch hunts, with many people being accused and executed for witchcraft, particularly women who were often associated with healing and midwifery.

Personal hygiene and sanitation: While not widely understood at the time, poor hygiene and sanitation played a role in the spread of the Black Death, as the bacteria that caused the disease (Yersinia pestis) can thrive in unsanitary conditions. However, understanding of germ theory and the causes of infectious diseases was still centuries away.

In conclusion, during the time of the Black Death, various theories and beliefs coexisted, influenced by religious beliefs, cultural superstitions, limited medical knowledge, and natural phenomena. It was not until advancements in science and medicine over the centuries that humanity began to understand the true cause and transmission mechanisms of the plague.