The Black Death of the fourteenth century, caused by the plague bacterium, was one of the most calamitous events in world history. Twenty-five million people perished in Europe alone—upwards to half of the continent's population. Such a significant event undoubtedly influenced the course of history. Medicinal practices saw advancement, perceptions of Christianity were altered, art forms grew more dark and morbid, the linguistic makeup of Europe was changed, the European economy was utterly ruined, social mores were erased —all because of the Black Death. This scourge of the plague, coupled with the destruction it caused, clearly shaped the course of modern history.