Main content
Rats and Gerbils and the Black Death
In the Middle Ages the bubonic plague killed millions of people across Europe. Rats have been widely believed to be responsible for the numerous outbreaks of Black Death. But now scientists think it was actually giant gerbils and not rats who were to blame. Weekend's Martin Vennard has been to a pet shop in London to gauge reaction to the news.
(Picture: Gerbil and black rat. Credit: Thinkstock)
Duration:
This clip is from
More clips from Weekend
-
Family life and the legacy of the revolution in Iran
Duration: 06:32
-
A film director in Nazi Germany
Duration: 06:24
-
A South American prison becomes a Hell on Earth
Duration: 06:41
-
Forbidden love and a feast of Taiwanese food
Duration: 06:33