Y. pestis confirmed as cause of Justinianic Plague
Researchers uncover Y. pestis as the cause of the Justinianic Plague.
Why it matters
- Identifies the pathogen behind the world's first plague pandemic.
- Provides historical context on how ancient societies coped with pandemics.
By the numbers
- Plague duration: 541 CE to 750 CE (~200 years).
- Location of study: Jerash, Jordan, a major trade hub.
- Sample size: DNA from 8 human teeth.
The big picture
- Confirms Y. pestis as the cause of the Justinianic Plague.
- Highlights the impact of the plague on ancient societies and trade.
What they're saying
- Curiosity about prior hypotheses.
- Humor about the discovery being expected.
Caveats
- Historical study based on ancient DNA.
- Published in a reputable journal.
What’s next
- Further studies on ancient DNA to understand plague evolution.
- Historical analysis of the impact of the Justinianic Plague on societies.