Plague’s long history after Black Death revealed by DNA
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Researchers at the University of Tartu analysed ancient DNA from human remains to understand how plague continued to impact Europe for centuries after the Black Death.
The team investigated the plague bacterium’s DNA to trace its evolution and spread following the initial outbreak between 1347 and 1353. They discovered that plague did not vanish after the Black Death, instead persisting in recurring waves for over 400 years. This ongoing presence of plague significantly altered European communities, economies, and societies.
The study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences provides a more detailed understanding of this extended period of disease and its effects. By examining the genetic makeup of the bacterium itself, the researchers aimed to create a clearer picture of the plague’s history beyond the initial, widely remembered pandemic. This approach allows scientists to track how the disease changed over time and how different strains circulated among populations.
The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how past pandemics have shaped the world.
