<previous The Black Death or Bubonic plague, came in 1348 around 10 years after Giotto's death. Three ships arrived at Genoa on that year and spread the disease from there throughout Europe. By 1350 it had killed one-quarter of its population. It partially contributed to the collapse of the feudal system as a reduced workforce was able to demand better wage and greater independence. Wealthy merchants were the other force that was able to break that 400 years old system.
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