This podcast delves into the origins of the Black Death, tracing its roots back to Asia in 1331, where catastrophic outbreaks drastically affected populations. It explores how trade routes facilitated the spread of the Bubonic Plague, leading to significant mortality across the Mongol Empire and the Middle East before reaching Europe. The discussion highlights the numerous societal changes the pandemic brought about, including the decline of the Mongol Empire and the lasting implications of the plague throughout history.