Ancient DNA is rewriting the history of plague

Dense cities do not seem to have been necessary for outbreaks of the disease

Our ancient enemy: scientists discover oldest-known plague outbreak

Scientists have found the oldest known evidence of the plague, which sparked deadly outbreaks dating back about 5,500 years ago – some 200 years earlier than previously thought. The disease has sickened humans for thousands of years and wiped out a significant chunk of Europe’s population in the 14th century during what’s known as the Black Death. Though rare, the plague is still around today and is treated with antibiotics. “To understand our own history, we believe that understanding the...

By Associated Press

Oldest known evidence of the plague discovered and it transforms what we know about the disease

Scientists say the find could provide clues on how pathogens may emerge in the future

By Adithi Ramakrishnan

Oldest known evidence of plague reveals the disease’s deadly impact 5,500 years ago

Scientists find oldest known evidence of plague dating back 5,500 years

Scientists have identified the oldest known evidence of plague, tracing the deadly disease back approximately 5,500 years and pushing its origins at least 200 years earlier than pr...