Final answer:
It is estimated that the first outbreak of the plague in the 14th century resulted in the death of approximately 25 million Europeans, which was about half of Europe's population at the time. Subsequent plague outbreaks continued to affect the population for several centuries, preventing the population from recovering to pre-Plague levels until the 17th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roughly how many Western Europeans died from the plague? The impact of the plague on Europe was enormous and catastrophic. During the first outbreak of the plague between 1347 and 1351, Europe's population suffered a devastating decline, losing a little over half of its population. Subsequent less virulent outbreaks continued to impact Europe for centuries. It is estimated that 25 million Europeans died during the 14th-century Black Death alone.
During the Plague of Justinian that occurred from 541 to 750 A.D., the population in Europe declined by 50 percent. This would represent anywhere from a quarter to half of the human population of the eastern Mediterranean at the time. Furthermore, Europe would not see its population return to pre-Plague levels until the 17th century in some regions.
The impact on Europe's population was matched by socioeconomic disruption as well, with economic recovery being slow and further hampered by regional warfare. The prevalence of the plague also led to distrust towards travelers and foreigners, seismically affecting commerce and trade networks.