By 
Sharon DeWitte
 | 
TED-Ed Original

The past present and future of the bubonic plague

The bubonic plague which killed around 1/5 of the world's population in the 14th century is still around today -- but it now claims only a few thousand lives each year. How did that number shrink so drastically? Sharon N. DeWitte investigates the causes and effects of the black death and explains how knowing this information can help us prepare for any future outbreaks of the disease.

Related tags:

TED is supported by ads and partners

Watch next