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Judi Lynn

(160,219 posts)
Tue Sep 8, 2020, 01:51 PM Sep 2020

When Scientists Examined Aztec Teeth, They Unlocked The Secret To A Mysterious Epidemic

When Scientists Examined Aztec Teeth, They Unlocked The Secret To A Mysterious Epidemic
By Staff Writer

In laboratories thousands of miles apart, scientists are poring over centuries-old DNA. Using the latest technology, they are searching for answers to a mystery that has haunted historians for hundreds of years. In the 16th century a deadly epidemic swept through Guatemala and Mexico – killing millions of Aztecs in the last days of their empire. And now, researchers are edging closer to finding out exactly what caused it.

Since its discovery in the 1860s, DNA has proved an invaluable tool to scientists across countless disciplines. However, its usefulness has been limited for those who work with human remains. In fact, up until recently, it has been almost impossible for researchers to extract DNA from skeletons.




Image: f9photos/Getty Images

But now, thanks to advanced methods of detection, researchers are now able to track traces of DNA in humans who have been dead for hundreds of years. And in the case of the Aztec Empire, this breakthrough may help to solve the mystery at last. By studying the teeth of people who lived in Mexico during the 16th century, scientists believe that they may have identified the culprit behind the deadly epidemic.




Image: fergregory/Getty Images

We’ll examine just what the scientists discovered about the fall of the Aztecs a little later, but let’s first learn a bit more about the people themselves. From its origins in the Valley of Mexico, the Aztec Empire grew to encompass much of what is now central Mexico. Stretching as far as modern-day Guatemala, the civilization was home to some six million people at its peak. And a population of over 140,000 thrived in its capital Tenochtitlán alone.

More:
https://magellantimes.com/anthropology-and-history/cultures/aztecs-samonella-enterica-cocoliztli-disease-central-america-spanish-conquistadors/6/?utm_campaign=Aztec_Teeth_Examned_MT_DKTB_US01&utm_source=nativo&utm_content=6643

Also posted in Science:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/122871518

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When Scientists Examined Aztec Teeth, They Unlocked The Secret To A Mysterious Epidemic (Original Post) Judi Lynn Sep 2020 OP
Per the article, the cause is believed to be a bacterium called Salmonella enterica, gristy Sep 2020 #1
Thank You! KT2000 Sep 2020 #2

gristy

(10,667 posts)
1. Per the article, the cause is believed to be a bacterium called Salmonella enterica,
Tue Sep 8, 2020, 03:08 PM
Sep 2020

which caused cocoliztli – which means pestilence in Nahuatl. These bacteria were detected in the teeth of Aztecs who died at the time.

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