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dipsydoodle

(42,239 posts)
Sun Mar 30, 2014, 05:11 AM Mar 2014

Black Death skeletons unearthed by Crossrail project

Skeletons unearthed in London Crossrail excavations are Black Death victims from the great pandemic of the 14th Century, forensic tests indicate.

Their teeth contain DNA from the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis and their graves have been dated to 1348-50.

Records say thousands of Londoners perished and their corpses were dumped in a mass grave outside the City, but its exact location was a mystery.

Archaeologists now believe it is under Charterhouse Square near the Barbican.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26770334

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Black Death skeletons unearthed by Crossrail project (Original Post) dipsydoodle Mar 2014 OP
well, I'm sure someone will feel the need to see if they can reactivate that disease n/t 2pooped2pop Mar 2014 #1
No need - its about elsewhere anyway. dipsydoodle Mar 2014 #4
Unfortunately, it still exists though not in Europe LeftishBrit Mar 2014 #7
Actually, they find plague victims all the time . . . MrModerate Mar 2014 #2
Last ref. I saw to this was years ago dipsydoodle Mar 2014 #3
I have some friends working on Crossrail . . . MrModerate Mar 2014 #5
I'm surprised the skeletons have lasted so long. about 660 years. raccoon Mar 2014 #6
Pretty airtight dipsydoodle Mar 2014 #8

LeftishBrit

(41,205 posts)
7. Unfortunately, it still exists though not in Europe
Mon Mar 31, 2014, 08:02 AM
Mar 2014

There was a serious outbreak in Madagascar not too long ago. Even the United States has had a few fairly recent cases, in Western states.

dipsydoodle

(42,239 posts)
3. Last ref. I saw to this was years ago
Sun Mar 30, 2014, 08:10 AM
Mar 2014

and the area concerned then was Knightsbridge parts of which were considered unsafe to redevelop - again.

 

MrModerate

(9,753 posts)
5. I have some friends working on Crossrail . . .
Sun Mar 30, 2014, 08:15 AM
Mar 2014

And they have standard (and strict) protocols about not only remains, but historical artifacts as well. It's a daily occurrence.

raccoon

(31,111 posts)
6. I'm surprised the skeletons have lasted so long. about 660 years.
Sun Mar 30, 2014, 08:21 AM
Mar 2014

I would have thought by now, their bones would all be dust.

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