Hunter-gatherers in Siberia died of a plague outbreak 5,500 years ago

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1. 1h ago

   Siberian Hunter-Gatherers Struck by Plague 5,500 Years Ago

   Ancient DNA from graves near Lake Baikal reveals the oldest known plague outbreaks. The disease killed hunter-gatherers long before the rise of farming, cities, or permanent settlements. Rapid outbreaks targeted families, specifically children and young teenagers.

   What's confirmed:

   • The oldest evidence of a plague outbreak was found in Siberian prehistoric graves dating back 5,500 years.
   • Plague DNA was discovered in ancient graves near Lake Baikal.
   • The outbreaks occurred among hunter-gatherers before the emergence of farming, cities, or crowded settlements.
   • The bacteria identified in the skeletons is Yersinia pestis.
   • Early plague strains were found in nearly 40% of the individuals studied.
   • The disease caused rapid family-based outbreaks that killed many children and young teenagers.
   confidence 100%
2. 2d ago

   Siberian Hunter-Gatherers Hit by Plague 5,500 Years Ago

   Ancient DNA from teeth and graves in Siberia reveals the earliest known plague outbreaks. These lethal events occurred among hunter-gatherers over 5,500 years ago. The findings shift the established timeline of the disease.

   What's confirmed:

   • Lethal plague outbreaks affected hunter-gatherers in the Lake Baikal region 5,500 years ago.
   • Ancient DNA from teeth and graves in Siberia provides evidence of these outbreaks.
   • The discovery dates the earliest known plague outbreaks to over 5,500 years ago.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Marmots transmitted the plague bacteria to hunter-gatherers.
   • The discovery is a complete surprise to experts regarding the origins of the Black Death.
   confidence 90%