Black Death skeletons unearthed by Crossrail project

[dipsydoodle]

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

[2pooped2pop]

1. well, I'm sure someone will feel the need to see if they can reactivate that disease n/t

[dipsydoodle]

4. No need - its about elsewhere anyway.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yersinia_pestis

[LeftishBrit]

7. Unfortunately, it still exists though not in Europe

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.

[MrModerate]

2. Actually, they find plague victims all the time . . .

When working underground in London.

[dipsydoodle]

3. Last ref. I saw to this was years ago

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

[MrModerate]

5. I have some friends working on Crossrail . . .

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

[raccoon]

6. I'm surprised the skeletons have lasted so long. about 660 years.

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

[dipsydoodle]

8. Pretty airtight

40 or so feet underground in London clay.