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In a recent archaeological discovery in Edinburgh, the first scientific evidence of the Black Death has been unveiled through the remains of a teenage boy from the 14th Century. The teenager, one of 115 medieval bodies exhumed from the grounds of St Giles Cathedral, was found to have traces of the bacteria for the Bubonic plague in the plaque on his teeth. The remains, originally excavated in 1981, have undergone new detailed analysis using advanced methods such as ancient DNA sequencing, isotopic analysis, and radiocarbon dating.
John Lawson, the curator of archaeology at the City of Edinburgh Council, expressed his excitement at this significant discovery. The young male skeleton, dating back to between 1300 and 1370 – a period corresponding with the Black Death outbreak, was buried with care, unlike many victims who were often interred in mass graves during that time. The bodies were unearthed nearly 45 years ago to create steps inside the cathedral on the Royal Mile and have been stored in the city’s archives ever since.
Through commissioning experts at the Francis Crick Institute in London to perform DNA tests, Mr. Lawson discovered that the teenage boy had ancient DNA of the Black Death bacteria, marking a groundbreaking revelation. This finding provides a deeper understanding of historical events and ties this individual to the devastating pandemic of the Black Death, showcasing the importance of modern scientific advancements in archaeological research.
The bodies found in St Giles Cathedral’s grounds, dating back from the 12th Century to 1560, have allowed for a more comprehensive depiction of this historical period. Pioneering technology has led to the restoration of the faces of several skeletons by experts from Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee universities. Dr. Maria Maclennan, a senior lecturer at the School of Design, Edinburgh College of Art, has spearheaded the facial restorations, unveiling the faces of various medieval residents, including pilgrims and females buried within the chapel of the cathedral.
The ongoing project has shed light on the lives, diets, health, origins, and identities of Edinburgh’s earliest inhabitants through various tests and analyses. As more information comes to light upon the project’s completion, researchers anticipate uncovering additional insights into the city’s rich history and heritage. City of Edinburgh Council’s culture and communities convener, Margaret Graham, noted the significance of this research in enhancing the understanding of the past and shared stories of the city’s residents from a pivotal chapter in history
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