- The Black Death is the most fatal pandemic recorded in human history.
- According to some of the era's chroniclers, the plague reduced the world population from an estimated 450 million to between 350 and 375 million in under 200 years.
- Economic consequences included shortages of labor and higher wages for workers, as well as disruption of trade networks.
- In England, the Black Death caused widespread social unrest, including the famous Peasants' Revolt of 1381.
- In some areas of Europe, entire villages and towns were abandoned as a result of the pandemic.