<P> The Black Death is thought to have originated in the arid plains of Central Asia , where it then travelled along the Silk Road , reaching Crimea by 1343 . From there , it was most likely carried by Oriental rat fleas living on the black rats that were regular passengers on merchant ships . Spreading throughout the Mediterranean and Europe , the Black Death is estimated to have killed 30 -- 60 % of Europe 's total population . In total , the plague may have reduced the world population from an estimated 450 million down to 350 -- 375 million in the 14th century . The world population as a whole did not recover to pre-plague levels until the 17th century . The plague recurred occasionally in Europe until the 19th century . </P>
<P> The Black Death is thought to have originated in the arid plains of Central Asia , where it then travelled along the Silk Road , reaching Crimea by 1343 . From there , it was most likely carried by Oriental rat fleas living on the black rats that were regular passengers on merchant ships . Spreading throughout the Mediterranean and Europe , the Black Death is estimated to have killed 30 -- 60 % of Europe 's total population . In total , the plague may have reduced the world population from an estimated 450 million down to 350 -- 375 million in the 14th century . The world population as a whole did not recover to pre-plague levels until the 17th century . The plague recurred occasionally in Europe until the 19th century . </P>
when did the black death end in europe
when did the black death end in europe
19th century
19th century