Clues contained in tree rings have revealed how the Black Death travelled to Europe Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Volcanic eruptions were the first in a “perfect storm” of events that led to the devastation of the Black Death in Europe,