Terrifying plague kills millions Chinese oust Mongol rulers Ottomans carve out a new empire The sternpost rudder, a new device for steering ships, is adopted Violence in Japan threatens stability Tatar leader Timur controls much of Asia African emperor's travels bring glory to Mali

1. Terrifying plague kills millions The Black Death shrouded Europe, Asia, and North Africa in the mid-1300's, condemning tens of millions to an agonizing death. The cursed plague, which tortured its victims with hideous swellings and a painful cough, has left economic and political turmoil in its wake. For a French physician's thoughts on the causes and treatments for plague, click here. View from Today