Summary:
- Researchers have uncovered new evidence about the origins of the Plague of Cyprian, one of the earliest known pandemics in history.
- The Plague of Cyprian, which occurred in the 3rd century AD, was previously thought to have been caused by smallpox or measles. However, new genetic analysis of ancient remains suggests it was actually caused by a strain of Salmonella enterica.
- This discovery rewrites our understanding of the history of infectious diseases and highlights the importance of using modern scientific techniques to study ancient pandemics.