Name ________________________________________ BLOCK __________ Date ____________
Letter to Pope Clement VI
Historical Background of The Plague
During the fourteenth century, Europe was living through a deadly epidemic known as the
Great Plague. Probably originating in Asia in 1330, the Black Death spread through the land and sea
trading routes of the time. Contact from these trade routes reached North Africa, Europe and the
Middle East. Known by names such as the Great Plague, the Black Death and the Black Plague, the
disease that tore through Europe is now more commonly known as the bubonic plague.
The plague's rapid transmission can be traced to a small bacterium, Yersina pestis, that
usually infected the black rat. Infected fleas, however, transmitted the disease to humans initially.
Eventually humans spread the disease as well, through infected saliva. Once people became
infected, the symptoms of the disease were painful and difficult, and many died. Symptoms included
swollen nodes in the groin, severe headache and severe pneumonia. The disease became known as
the black plague because of the dark blood clots that appeared under the skin.
The overall effects of the plague devastated Europe. The population decreased as much as
33% in 20 years, affecting agricultural production, family structure and economics.
Information about the pope
The pope is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. Pope
Clement VI (born 1291 – died December 6, 1352) was pope from May 1342 until his death in
December of 1352. Clement is most notable as the Pope who reigned during the time of the Black
Death (1348–1350).
Assignment: Part 1—WORKING WITH THE PEOPLE SITTING AT YOUR TABLE. (BIP GRADE)
Review the documents and complete the following table:
Document
Answer the Question in the Box
Number
1
What is being described in this document?
2
Why would roads and highways be
guarded?
3
What were some of the things people left
alive would do?
Write down ONE ADDITIONAL note
about the document.
4
Using what you know about the bubonic
plague, why would the plague be likened
to wind?
5
Who sent the plague according to this
document?
6
What is being described in this document?
7
Why do you think some would create a
new religious group?
8
What is happening to the priests?
9
Why were the Jews being attacked?
10
Why would people hang toads around their
necks?
11
What was happening to labor (serfs and
laborers)?
12
Describe the doctor’s robe.
13
What are those left alive after the plague
doing with their time?
14
What is this list of “rules” trying to prevent?
15
According to this document, what was the
likelihood of survival if the plague entered
your home?
16
What does the line “ashes, ashes” mean in
the rhyme?
17
Describe the picture shown.
Assignment: Part 2—WORKING INDIVIDUALLY. (TP3Q GRADE)
The plague devastated Europe in several different areas. The church in particular suffered a loss of
influence over the population because of a series of disasters in the fourteenth century. Write a letter
to Pope Clement VI in which you analyze the concerns and beliefs of the people and recommend
immediate solutions to the pope so that he can retain his influence over the people. Also, predict the
effects of the plague on culture, arts, trade, children, education, medicine, economics, politics, etc.
The pope will not accept any recommendation without proof, so identify the document that will provide
your evidence.
Your letter to the pope should be at least 3 paragraphs
 Paragraph #1: What is happening in Europe at the time of the Plague.
 Paragraph #2: How do you think the pope should deal with what is happening in Europe so he
and the church can retain power
 Paragraph #3: What do you think will happen in the future when the plague is over. (With
regards to one or more of the following: culture, arts, trade, children, education, medicine,
economics, and/or politics.)
In all of your paragraphs you must clearly identify the document you used as evidence.
GRADING:
 5 pts. for each well written paragraph that identifies the document used as evidence. NO
DOCUMENT CITED = NO POINTS EARNED.
 Late papers will be graded out of a possible 4 points for each paragraph—which might not
seem like much of a difference, but it takes your paper COMPLETELY out of “A” range!
You may use the space below to brainstorm your letter, but you must write your letter on lined paper
and staple it to this handout.