The hidden history of prehistoric epidemics

A vast international study. For example, published in the prestigious review Naturelifts the veil on a millennial story that was believed in part buried. For example, For nearly 37,000 years, humanity has been faced with a multitude of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.) who shaped its destiny. Furthermore, And it is in the depths of the past that scientists have just raised the trace of the most. Meanwhile, feared of them: the plague.

Thanks to the analysis of DNA extracted from bones. Furthermore, teeth of more than 1,300 individuals who lived on the vast Eurasian territory (Europe and Asia), since the beginning of the Neolithic (12,500 years ago) up to around 200 years before our time, researchers from the universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Copenhagen made discoveries as fascinating as they are.

First size revelation: the bacteria responsible for the plague. this deadly hidden history prehistoric epidemics disease which ravaged Europe in the Middle Ages, was already present about 5,500 years ago. Furthermore. the first evidence of zoonotic diseases, that is to say transmitted from animals to humans, go back to some 6,500 years. A decisive turning point that coincides with the advent of agriculture and breeding.

Professor Eske Willerslev. who managed the work from the universities of Cambridge and Copenhagen, underlines in this regard that “ The transition to sedentary lifestyle and livestock paved the way for a new chapter in the history of diseases ”, Before clarifying that “These infections have not only made people sick, but they also contributed to the collapse of many companies and caused large -scale migration ».

The study shows that these diseases have experienced rapid propagation about 1. 500 years after their appearance, coinciding with the increase in human-animal contact and the densification of populations.

Among hidden history prehistoric epidemics the pathogenic traces identified, some date back to unsuspected periods. Diphtheria would have existed 11,000 years ago, while hepatitis B would have infected humans from 9,800 years before our era. Malaria, on the other hand, would have appeared around 4,200 years. In all, 214 pathogens were listed among prehistoric human populations in Eurasia.

Professor Astrid Iversen, from Oxford University, highlights the importance of the animal factor. “” About 5,000 years ago, animal diseases began to spread significantly. The breeding of large herds. life in close proximity to these animals have strongly favored the transmission of these pathogens to humans He explains.

In addition, the study returns to the ravages of the plague in Europe. Frederik Seersholm. researcher at the University of Copenhagen, recalls that ” This epidemic, which occurred between 1346 and 1353, killed between a quarter and half of the European population, sometimes reaching up to 40 % of hidden history prehistoric epidemics the inhabitants in certain regions ».

Over the centuries, large epidemics have continued to reappear, but this dive into the past offers a precious perspective. It shows that the origin of the plagues which still threaten human health today is intimately linked to our. oldest lifestyles. And above all, that in each revolution (agricultural, urban or technological …), humanity had to face new biological challenges.