Unveiling the Plague of Justinian: History's Deadliest Outbreak

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have pinpointed the exact bacterium behind the world's earliest pandemic, the Plague of Justinian. This catastrophic event, which struck between A.D. 541 and 750, is estimated to have claimed the lives of 25 to 100 million people, leaving a profound impact on history.

Once believed to originate in Pelusium, Egypt, this deadly plague swept swiftly through the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Now, thanks to scientists from the University of South Florida (USF), we have concrete evidence identifying the culprit: Yersinia pestis.

Revolutionary Discoveries in Jerash, Jordan!

In a remarkable interdisciplinary study, the team analyzed DNA from eight human teeth collected from a mass grave dating back to the sixth to seventh centuries A.D. beneath the Roman hippodrome in Jerash, Jordan—mere miles from ancient Pelusium.

Their findings confirmed that these victims shared nearly identical strains of Yersinia pestis, solidifying its presence in the Byzantine Empire from A.D. 550 to 660. This is the first time we have direct genomic evidence linking this bacterium to the plague during this historical period.

A Historic Breakthrough!

Rays H.Y. Jiang, a researcher at USF, expressed excitement over these findings, stating, "For centuries, we’ve only had written accounts of a terrifying disease, but now we have biological evidence. Our study fills the historical void, allowing us a genetic glimpse into the unfolding of this pandemic at the empire's core."

The implications are enormous, as Yersinia pestis is also infamous for causing the Black Death in the fourteenth century, which decimated up to 50% of Europe's population.

Broader Historical Context and Future Research

This research not only sheds light on an ancient pandemic but also serves as a vital connection to the virulent strains of Yersinia pestis that may have been circulating as far back as 1800 B.C. According to ARCHAEOLOGY's Top 10 Discoveries of 2018, this ancient knowledge opens the door for further investigation into the history and evolution of pandemics.

As historians and scientists continue to unravel the past, we are left with the undeniable reminder of how interconnected our histories are, drawing lessons from these ancient tragedies to prepare for contemporary challenges.