Scientists Discovered The Oldest Human Plague. It Took Down Neolithic Farmers And Changed Europe’s History

“These events had major consequences for the history of humanity.”

D-brief
By Roni Dengler
Dec 6, 2018 10:22 PMNov 3, 2020 5:14 PM
Plague Bones - Cell Press
Scientists found evidence of an ancient plague in the bones of a woman buried among 77 other people from her village in western Sweden. (Credit: Cell Press)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Buried among 77 other people from her village in western Sweden are the bones of a 20 year-old woman. Now an analysis of DNA extracted from her teeth reveals what likely killed her. An international team of researchers has discovered the woman, who died some 5,000 years ago, had the oldest known case of the plague.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.