The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in European history. The plague arrived for the first time in Sicily, at the port of Messina, on board twelve merchant ships. (History) The welcoming citizens had no idea of ​​the terror that would soon be unleashed on their lands. Every sailor on every ship was either dying or dead from this terrible disease, and the living were desperate for a helping hand. Unfortunately, the people they considered their savior were not as generous. The authorities ordered the ships to leave immediately, not realizing that it was already too late. By ravaging Europe, the plague destroyed everything in its path. People began to lose faith in God and wonder why He had allowed such a horrible event to take place. Others saw it as a sort of punishment for all of man's sins, and these individuals had their own way of achieving redemption. Europe began to collapse before their eyes. Ultimately, the Black Death led to the fall of feudalism and serfdom. There was no longer any organization in society, no power or control. It simply didn't exist anymore. The virulent plague has claimed innocent lives, day after day, without any remorse. In 1347, the Black Death reached the shores of Sicily aboard twelve Italian merchant ships. (History) The humble crowds waiting for the ships to arrive were in for a terrifying surprise. The sailors on board the ships had all been infected with the plague. Most of the men were dead, but the few survivors were seriously ill. James Giblin said in his book that a historian wrote: “They had the disease clinging to their bones. » (Giblin 13) As the ships arrived, visitors to Messina's docks began to panic. There had been rumors that a plague was terrorizing the E...... middle of newspaper...... traffic in the streets sent the message that there was no authority and that the crime rate has increased significantly. (Kelly 206) The great plague that haunted Europe in medieval times took more than a third of its population. After sick rats and fleas traveled by ship to the ports of Messina, Sicily, the plague spread very quickly across Europe. People were getting sick and dying within days, and there was nothing anyone could do. Close friends became ill and delirious, and European citizens began to lose hope. Church goers lost faith in God and others punished themselves for seeking forgiveness. The Black Death also brought about the fall of feudalism. With all the serfs and peasants gone, only a few were left to work the fields and harvest the crops. This meant higher payouts. Finally, in 1350, the plague died out, but reappeared every few generations..