Summary:
- Researchers analyzed DNA samples from a mass grave of Napoleon's soldiers who died during the disastrous 1812 invasion of Russia.
- The analysis revealed the presence of several deadly pathogens, including dysentery, typhus, and cholera, that likely contributed to the high death toll among Napoleon's troops.
- These findings provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by historical armies and the role of infectious diseases in shaping the outcomes of military campaigns.