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From the Archives: A Medieval French Skeleton Is Rewriting the History of Syphilis
Jun 6, 2024
Explore the new DNA evidence suggesting that syphilis was already in Europe before Columbus, challenging the traditional narrative. Discover the implications on modern cases and the ongoing debate concerning Columbus's health and final resting place.
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Quick takeaways
- Syphilis existed in Europe before Columbus, challenging traditional beliefs.
- Debates arise over the types of Treponema infection in ancient European skeletons, impacting retro-diagnosis.
Deep dives
Medieval Syphilis Epidemic in Europe
In the late 1400s, Europe was ravaged by a deadly epidemic characterized by fevers, skin rashes, and disfigurement. The spread of the infection was linked to soldiers and sex workers following warring rulers, leading to the belief that syphilis originated from different nations. The historical narrative often blamed Christopher Columbus for introducing syphilis to Europe, but recent DNA evidence suggests the disease was present in Europe before his voyages, challenging established beliefs. This discovery sheds new light on the origin and spread of syphilis.
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