The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in European history. The plague first arrived in Sicily, in the port of Messina, on twelve merchant ships. (History) The welcoming citizens had no idea of ​​the terror that would soon be unleashed on their lands. Every sailor aboard every ship was dying or dead from the ferocious disease, and the living were desperate for a helping hand. Unfortunately, the people they saw as their saviors were not so generous. The authorities ordered the ships to leave immediately, not realizing that it was already too late. As the plague ravaged Europe, it destroyed everything in its path. People began to lose faith in God and wonder why He would let such a horrendous event continue. Others saw it as a kind of punishment for all of man's sins, and these individuals had their own way of longing for redemption. Europe began to crumble before their eyes. Ultimately, the Black Death led to the downfall of feudalism and serfdom. There was no organization left in society, no power or control. It simply no longer existed. The virulent plague claimed innocent lives, day after day, without remorse. In the year 1347, the Black Death reached the coast of Sicily on twelve Italian merchant ships. (History) The humble crowds awaiting the arrival of the ships were in for a terrifying surprise. The sailors aboard the ships had all been infected with the plague. Most of the men were dead, but the few who remained were seriously ill. James Giblin stated in his book that one historian recorded, “They had the disease clinging to their very bones.” (Giblin 13) When the ships arrived, people visiting the port of Messina began to panic. Rumors were circulating of a plague terrorizing the E...... center of the paper ......n the streets sending the message that there was no authority and the crime rate was increasing significantly. (Kelly 206) The Great Plague that stalked Europe in the Middle Ages killed more than a third of its population. After diseased rats and fleas made their way to the ports of Messina, Sicily, via ships, the plague quickly spread throughout Europe. People were getting sick and dying within days and no one could do anything. Close friends became ill and delirious, and the European people began to lose hope. Church-goers lost faith in God and others punished themselves for forgiveness. The Black Death also caused the fall of feudalism. With the death of all the serfs and farmers, only a few remained to work the fields and harvest the crops. This meant higher payments. Finally, in 1350, the plague died out, but reappeared every few generations.