Blank Map of the Bubonic Plague in Europe, 1347-1351

What it is

This is a coloured map of Europe showing the spread of the bubonic plague between 1347 and 1351. Bands of colour from yellow to brown show timing, a green region marks Central Europe, and purple and black dots mark places. The legend box has no text, so it is a blank version for labelling. The original map was by Roger Zenner, and Jaybear enlarged it and edited it for readability. The file note warns that the borders shown are present-day borders, not those of the late 1340s.

Why it matters

Maps help students see how fast a disease can move through trade routes and towns. Because this map is a modern reconstruction, it shows a historian's or illustrator's reading of the spread, not a record from the time. Comparing it with the modern borders reminds students that the political map of Europe has changed.

Look closer

• What pattern do the colour bands show about how the plague moved over time?
• Why does the note say the borders are modern, and how might that change your reading?
• What information would you need to check before trusting the dots as exact locations?