JOURNAL ARTICLE

Plague felled European families long before the Black Death.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2024. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Curry, Andrew 3 of 3

Abstract

A recent study published in Nature suggests that the plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, may have been responsible for the decline of Neolithic societies in Europe around 2900 B.C.E. Researchers analyzed DNA from individuals buried in monumental tombs in Sweden and found that nearly one in five had active infections of Y. pestis when they died. The study also revealed that the infected individuals were part of closely related families, indicating a patrilineal society. However, it is important to note that this study only provides evidence from one site and cannot explain the decline across Europe. Other potential causes, such as climate change or resource depletion, have also been suggested. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2024/07, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2024
  • Accession Number:178421818
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