In which year did the Black Death reach Europe, and how long did its first great sweep take?
In 1347, spreading across the continent over the years that followed✓Correct answer
In 1347, reaching every part of the continent within a single month of arrival
In the sixth century, during the reign of the emperor Justinian
In 1665, during the outbreak remembered as the Great Plague
Explanation
The disease entered Europe through Mediterranean ports and then moved outward along roads and shipping lanes over the next few years, reaching the far north and east by the early 1350s. The single-month version fails because travel then moved at the pace of ships and carts, so the spread of an infection carried with traffic was measured in seasons rather than weeks.