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Scientists have now figured out the genetic code to one of the oldest known plagues. This public radio story describes what may have been the first outbreak of bubonic plague in Europe in the 6th century CE, 800 years before the Black Death struck in 1347. You learn how scientists discovered that the “Justinian plague” was actually a first outbreak of bubonic plague in Europe, and where it came from.
Story Length: 3:26
© 2014 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.
AIR DATE: 01/29/2014
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