Final answer:
The poorest family in Italy after the Black Death cannot be identified specifically, but those already vulnerable due to prior famines and financial crises were likely the worst affected. The epidemic exacerbated pre-existing economic hardships, and cities like Milan, initially spared, were later devastated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of the Black Death on the Poorest Families in Italy
Identifying the poorest family in Italy after the Black Death is a complex task due to the scarcity of detailed financial records for individual families from that era. However, we can surmise that those who suffered the most were likely those who were already vulnerable before the pandemic hit.
The poorest segments of society were hit hard not only by mortality rates but also by the long-term economic and social consequences of the plague. Families who had been young children during the Great Famine (1315-1322) would have been more susceptible to the disease, compounding their struggles, both during and after the epidemic.
Moreover, the Black Death not only afflicted individuals physically but also exacerbated financial vulnerability within communities. For instance, in regions like Catalonia, an ongoing economic crisis long before the plague led to increased debt, particularly among Jews who provided loans.
The plague struck when the population was weakened, leading to social strife, attacks on minorities, and the looting of property—a destructive cycle impacting both the health and finances of the poor.
As for entire cities, Milan's case is notable. Initially spared the worse effects of the Black Death in 1348-49 due to aggressive isolation measures, Milan eventually succumbed to the pandemic in 1361-63, experiencing devastating impacts that would have affected all social strata, including the poor.