Final answer:
The Black Death, caused by Yersinia pestis, was a devastating pandemic that had a greater impact on human life than any war or illness before. Towns were hit harder than the countryside due to overcrowding and poor living conditions, which facilitated the spread of the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Black Death, a devastating pandemic caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, claimed more lives on human life than any war or illness before that time. It was perhaps the greatest tragedy in history.
Disease most likely hit towns harder than the countryside because the towns were more crowded. Close proximity and crowded living conditions facilitated the rapid spread of the disease.
For example, in medieval Europe, towns were often characterized by narrow streets, cramped houses, and poor sanitation, which created an ideal breeding ground for disease-carrying rats. The higher population density in towns also meant that people came into contact with each other more frequently, increasing the chances of disease transmission.
Learn more about The impact of the Black Death on towns and the spread of the disease