Ancient DNA reveals plague was already killing humans 5,500 years ago

Why It Matters

This discovery fundamentally shifts our understanding of the plague's origins and its impact on early human societies. It suggests the disease was a significant factor in human history much earlier than previously believed, potentially influencing ancient population movements and societal structures before the advent of agriculture and urbanization. It also provides crucial insights into the evolutionary history of pathogens and their co-existence with humans.

Key Takeaways

• Plague existed 5,500 years ago.
• Found in Siberian hunter-gatherer DNA.
• Predates cities, farming, and rats.

Full Analysis

This news means that the plague, a very old and dangerous disease, was affecting humans much earlier than previously thought. We used to believe it primarily spread in crowded cities with rats, but this new discovery shows it was killing people, specifically hunter-gatherers in Siberia, thousands of years before cities or even widespread farming existed. This fundamentally changes our understanding of when and how this major disease first impacted human history.