No, the Black Death did not last 300 years.
The Black Death, a devastating pandemic primarily caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, ravaged Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It's important to understand its timeline to accurately answer the question.
The Peak of the Black Death
The most intense period of the Black Death pandemic occurred from 1346 to 1353. During these years, Europe experienced catastrophic losses, estimated to be as much as 50% of its population. Some historians believe this equates to as many as 50 million deaths.
Recurrent Outbreaks
While the initial and most destructive wave ended around 1353, the plague did not simply disappear. It became endemic in many regions and experienced recurrent outbreaks for centuries. These outbreaks were often localized and less severe than the initial pandemic, but they continued to impact populations.
Plague's Persistence
The plague persisted in Europe for several centuries. While not continuously active for 300 years directly following the initial outbreak, its presence was felt intermittently. The last major outbreak in Western Europe occurred in Marseille in 1720. This shows that even centuries after the main pandemic, the plague remained a threat.
Therefore, while the Black Death didn't last 300 continuous years, its impact was felt for many centuries after its initial devastation from 1346-1353, with periodic outbreaks occurring.
