Middle Ages Regents Practice Exam 2026 - Free Regents Practice Questions and Study Guide

The spread of the Black Death to Europe during the 14th century is closely linked to trade with Asia. The disease is thought to have originated in Central Asia and was transmitted along trade routes, particularly the Silk Road. Merchants traveled these routes, carrying goods such as silk and spices, but they also inadvertently transported the bacteria that caused the plague, primarily through fleas that infested rats. Major port cities in Europe, such as Genoa and Venice, became entry points for the disease as ships arriving from Asia brought both cargo and infected individuals.

In contrast, the other options do not relate directly to the spread of the Black Death in this context. The conquest of Japan and exploration of the Western Hemisphere occurred later and were not connected to the transmission of the plague in Europe. Trade across the Sahara involved different routes and commodities and was not a significant factor in the spread of the Black Death, which primarily spread through routes linking Europe and Asia. Understanding this historical context helps clarify the critical role of trade in facilitating the spread of the plague during this period.