Bacteria may have worsened Napoleon's retreat from Russia
Two fever-causing bacteria found in soldiers' teeth may have worsened Napoleon's disastrous retreat from Russia in 1812.
Why it matters
- The study identifies two species of bacteria that may have contributed to the high mortality rate during Napoleon's retreat.
- It adds biological evidence to historical accounts of disease during the retreat.
By the numbers
- Study published in Current Biology on October 24.
- Ancient DNA extracted from soldiers' teeth revealed two species of fever-causing bacteria.
The big picture
- The findings align with historical accounts of soldiers suffering from fever, diarrhea, and pneumonia.
- The bacteria likely exacerbated the already dire conditions of malnutrition and cold.
What they're saying
- Experts note that salmonella and typhus would have been deadly in the poor conditions of the retreat.
- The study brings "DNA-level biological details" to the historical narrative.
Caveats
- The exact sample size is not specified, but the findings align with historical accounts.
- The study provides biological evidence but does not change the historical narrative significantly.
What’s next
- Further research could explore other pathogens or factors that contributed to the soldiers' deaths.
- Understanding historical diseases can provide insights into how infections spread and affect populations.