Scientists Discover Ancient Plague Outbreak
A new study published in Nature has revealed that a plague outbreak was likely a major factor in the decline of Neolithic populations in Northern Europe around 5,000 years ago. Researchers analyzed DNA from 108 individuals buried in a megalithic tomb in Scandinavia, finding that 17% had succumbed to the plague.
Ancient Plague DNA Sheds Light on a Lost Era
The study, conducted by scientists from Sweden, Denmark, and the UK, analyzed DNA from teeth and bones excavated from ancient burial sites in Scandinavia. The research focused on a megalithic tomb in Falbygden, Sweden, where 12 out of 38 individuals (32%) were found to have been infected with Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague.
Plague’s Deadly Legacy
The scientists were able to reconstruct the complete genomes of different strains of Yersinia pestis, revealing that the most recent strain was highly virulent and could be transmitted from person to person. This indicates that the plague could have spread rapidly through the population, causing a major decline.
Ancient Plague Linked to Modern Epidemics
Interestingly, the researchers found that the strain of Yersinia pestis responsible for the Neolithic plague was an ancestor of the strains that caused the Justinian Plague in the 6th century AD and the Black Death in the 14th century. This connection highlights the devastating potential of this ancient disease and its enduring legacy on human history.
The Neolithic Collapse
The decline of Neolithic populations in Northern Europe, which occurred between 3300 and 2900 BC, is a long-standing mystery. While previous theories have suggested war, famine, and disease as possible causes, the new study provides strong evidence that the plague played a crucial role.
Plague’s Impact on European History
The discovery of the ancient plague outbreak sheds new light on the history of Europe and the complex forces that shaped its population dynamics. It highlights the impact of infectious diseases on human societies throughout history and underscores the importance of understanding the origins and evolution of these pathogens.
Summary
A new study has uncovered evidence of a plague outbreak in Northern Europe 5,000 years ago, potentially leading to the decline of Neolithic populations. Researchers analyzed DNA from ancient skeletons and discovered a highly virulent strain of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague. This finding suggests that the plague played a significant role in the decline of Neolithic societies and is likely an ancestor of the strains that caused later plagues like the Justinian Plague and the Black Death. This research sheds new light on the history of Europe and the impact of infectious diseases on human societies.