DNA reveals hidden killer of Napoleon’s troops in Russia
AI Summary
A French research team has uncovered two new bacteria that contributed to the downfall of Napoleon's Grande Armee during the 1812 Russian campaign. The researchers analyzed ancient DNA from mass graves in Vilnius, Lithuania, and found genetic evidence for Salmonella enterica enterica and Borrelia recurrentis. These bacteria, along with typhus and trench fever, were previously known to have affected the army. The four diseases share similar symptoms, including fevers, muscle aches, and fatigue, making diagnosis nearly impossible in 1812. Napoleon's forces suffered heavy losses due to disease, starvation, and freezing conditions, resulting in only 30,000 soldiers surviving the withdrawal from Russia. The discovery sheds new light on the causes of the Grande Armee's defeat and highlights the importance of ancient DNA analysis in understanding historical events.
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