Black Death: The Origin Story - After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Episode: Black Death: The Origin Story
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney & Maddy Pelling
Guest: Professor Hannah Barker, Medieval Historian

Introduction

In the premiere episode of their four-part series on the Black Death, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve deep into the origins of one of history's most devastating pandemics. Joined by medieval historian Professor Hannah Barker, the episode seeks to unravel the true story behind the siege of Caffa and the introduction of the Black Death to Europe, challenging long-held Eurocentric narratives.

Setting the Scene: The Siege of Caffa

The episode opens with an evocative narrative by Professor Hannah Barker, depicting the siege of Caffa in 1346. Caffa, a bustling port in modern-day Crimea, was a melting pot of cultures and a pivotal hub for Mediterranean trade. Under siege by the Mongol army of the Golden Horde, the city endured relentless bombardment over three years. As the Mongol forces were decimated by disease—a precursor to the Black Death—they resorted to catapulting dead bodies into the city in a desperate attempt to end the siege.

Debunking the Myth

Anthony Delaney (00:27): Introduces the topic and the myth surrounding the siege of Caffa, emphasizing its traditional depiction as the entry point of the Black Death into Europe.

Maddy Pelling (04:01): Discusses the historical account by Italian notary Gabriele de Mussi, which claims that the Mongols intentionally spread the plague by catapulting corpses over the city walls.

Professor Hannah Barker (05:54): Provides a critical analysis of de Mussi's account, highlighting that he was based in Piacenza, Italy, and never actually witnessed the events in Caffa. She points out:

Biological Inaccuracy: Modern understanding of Yersinia pestis (the bacterium causing the plague) indicates that it isn't transmitted through corpses but through fleas on rats.
Lack of Historical Evidence: No other historical records from sieges describe the use of corpses to spread disease, making de Mussi's account highly suspect.

Notable Quote:

Professor Hannah Barker (18:26): "The idea that corpses would be the source of a plague outbreak biologically doesn't add up. It's transmitted among the living."

Alternative Origin Theory: Trade Routes and Grain Shipments

Professor Barker introduces a more plausible explanation for the spread of the Black Death:

Grain Trade: Caffa was a major hub for grain exports from the Ukraine to Mediterranean ports like Genoa and Venice.
Rats and Fleas: The movement of grain likely facilitated the spread of rats and fleas carrying the plague, which then transmitted the disease to humans.
Post-Siege Trade Resumption: After the siege, trade resumed, allowing the plague to enter Europe through normal commercial channels rather than deliberate biological warfare.

Notable Quote:

Professor Hannah Barker (28:25): "People bringing grain to hungry cities were unknowingly introducing rats and fleas, which were the real vectors for the plague."

The Role of Scapegoating and Othering

The discussion shifts to the sociopolitical motivations behind de Mussi's narrative:

Blame on the Mongols: In the face of a devastating pandemic, there was a psychological need to find a scapegoat. The Mongols, being distinct and often viewed as the "other," became convenient targets for blame.
Comparative Scapegoating: Similar narratives emerged later, such as the persecution of Jews during the Black Death, underscoring a pattern of seeking external culprits for internal calamities.

Notable Quote:

Professor Hannah Barker (40:18): "People really want a reason why this terrible thing is happening to them, and they would really like to blame it on someone."

Reevaluating Primary Sources

Professor Barker emphasizes the importance of critically assessing historical sources:

Authorship and Location: De Mussi was a notary in Piacenza, not an eyewitness to the events in Caffa.
Consistency with Other Accounts: Other contemporary sources from the Black Sea region do not corroborate the narrative of corpse catapulting.
Modern Interpretations: Understanding the difference between medieval and modern perspectives on disease transmission is crucial for accurate historical interpretation.

Notable Quote:

Professor Hannah Barker (44:08): "Always bear in mind the gap between our modern understanding of how diseases work and medieval understanding of how diseases work."

Impact and Legacy of the Black Death Narrative

The hosts explore why the tale of Caffa and the Mongols has endured in historical accounts:

Dramatic Appeal: The story is gripping, filled with tragedy and horror, making it memorable.
Simplification for Narrative: Complex historical events are often simplified into compelling stories that resonate with audiences, even if they are inaccurate.
Long-Term Consequences: The Black Death had profound effects on European society, economy, and politics, making its accurate understanding essential for comprehending subsequent historical developments.

Notable Quote:

Maddy Pelling (32:15): "From a modern perspective, it seems to be so much more insidious and terrifying."

Conclusion and Future Exploration

As the episode wraps up, Professor Barker provides guidance for further exploration of the Black Death:

Critical Analysis: Encourage listeners to question traditional narratives and seek out primary sources from diverse perspectives.
Understanding Intentionality: Recognize that the spread of the plague was not an act of intention by any group but a result of natural disease dynamics exacerbated by human trade practices.

Final Advice:

Professor Hannah Barker (44:43): "What I always tell my students: who wrote it, where and when."

The hosts thank Professor Barker for her insights and set the stage for the upcoming episodes, which will continue to dissect the myths and realities surrounding the Black Death.

Key Takeaways

Myth vs. Reality: The traditional story of the Mongols using catapults to spread the plague is more myth than fact.
Disease Transmission: The Black Death likely spread through normal trade routes facilitated by rats and fleas, not deliberate biological warfare.
Scapegoating in History: During crises, there is a tendency to blame external groups, which can distort historical narratives.
Critical Historical Analysis: Understanding the source, context, and intent behind historical accounts is essential for accurate history.

Notable Quotes Summary

Professor Hannah Barker (18:26): Highlighting the biological implausibility of disease transmission via corpses.
Professor Hannah Barker (28:25): Explaining the realistic mechanisms of plague spread through trade and rat infestations.
Professor Hannah Barker (40:18): Discussing the human tendency to scapegoat during disasters.
Professor Hannah Barker (44:08): Advising on the critical assessment of historical sources.

For More Information:
Subscribe to After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal on History Hit to access ad-free episodes and exclusive content. Explore hundreds of hours of original documentaries and enjoy new releases every week.