Was the black death actually Ebola fever?

Readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific concepts
  
  

Victims of the black death … woodcut. Image: Alamy
Victims of the black death … woodcut. Image: Alamy Photograph: Alamy

I have heard it suggested that the black death, which devastated European populations in the 14th century, was Ebola fever rather than bubonic plague, as generally believed. Is there any evidence for this theory?

Tony Dennis, Leighton Buzzard, Beds

• Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com. Please include name, address and phone number

 

Leave a Comment

Required fields are marked *

*

*