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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Adithi Ramakrishnan

Ancient teeth from Siberia rewrite the plague’s timeline, dating back to over 5,500 years ago

Oldest Plague Outbreak - (Angela Lieverse via AP)

Scientists have found the oldest known evidence of the plague, which sparked deadly outbreaks dating back about 5,500 years ago — some 200 years earlier than previously thought.

The disease has sickened humans for thousands of years and wiped out a significant chunk of Europe's population in the 14th century during what's known as the Black Death. Though rare, the plague is still around today and is treated with antibiotics.

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