There have been numerous outbreaks of the deadly plague know as the 'black death'. The first epidemic occurred in Europe between 1347 and 1351. The number of deaths was enormous, reaching in various parts of Europe two-thirds or three-quarters of the population. It has been calculated that about 25 million people died from the plague during the great epidemic, which was proportionately a greater toll on life than any other known epidemic or war up to that time.
The population of western Europe did not reach its pre-1351 level again until the beginning of the 16th century.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2008
