Pages

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Black Death skeletons give up secrets of life and death

Museum of London Archaeology excavated the Royal Mint Black Death cemetery in the 80's

The medieval Black Death led to better health for future generations, according to an analysis of skeletons in London cemeteries.
Tens of millions of people died in the epidemic, but their descendants lived longer and had better health than ever before, a study shows.  The Black Death was one of the most devastating epidemics in human history.  But survivors benefited from rising standards of living and better diets in the aftermath of the disaster.  The improvements in health only occurred because of the death of huge numbers of people, said a US scientist.  It is evidence of how infectious disease has the power to shape patterns of health in populations, said Dr Sharon DeWitte of South Carolina University.


Lumps and black spots
The Black Death killed 30-to-50% of the European population in the 14th Century, causing terror as victims broke out in lumps and black spots, then died within days.
continue reading
Written by Helen Briggs / BBC News

Funeral Fund

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.