Oldest Known Plague Victims Discovered in 5,500-Year-Old Siberian Burial Ground
Archaeological findings in Siberia have unveiled the oldest known evidence of the plague directly causing human fatalities. The discovery was made in a 5,500-year-old burial ground, where many of the victims identified were children. Researchers suggest the ancient plague strain carried a specific gene that may have contributed to its heightened deadliness, particularly among younger individuals.
The oldest known evidence of the plague having caused human deaths has been unearthed at a 5,500-year-old burial site in Siberia.
The findings indicate that a significant number of the deceased at this ancient grave site were children. Investigations suggest that the plague strain present at the time possessed a gene that could have made it especially lethal for children.
This discovery offers new insights into the early history and impact of the plague, predating previously known instances of the disease causing fatalities among human populations.
(Source: Live Science)
