Ancient DNA Finally Reveals the REAL Origin of the Black Death Video—8min

Youtube ^ | 7/5/2025 | Discovery Future

[Phoenix8]

For centuries, its origins were shrouded in mystery. But a forgotten cemetery near Lake Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan has revealed stunning new evidence. In this documentary-style deep dive, we explore how 800-year-old graves, ancient inscriptions, and cutting-edge DNA analysis led scientists to pinpoint the true birthplace of the plague that killed tens of millions across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Learn how a single strain of Yersinia pestis, preserved in the teeth of medieval plague victims, was identified as the ancestral source of the Black Death. Discover how trade routes, climate change, and human mobility allowed a microscopic killer to reshape global history—and how modern science finally uncovered the origin of it all.

Based on groundbreaking research published in Science, this is the story of how the past continues to speak through stone, bone, and DNA.

Source: Gibbons, Ann. 800-year-old graves pinpoint where the Black Death began, Science.

[dfwgator]

I remember reading about the plague and that people in Europe believed it came from the east

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Many thought it came from the “Juice”.

[Dr. Sivana]

I had seen that image you posted before, but didn't really know what it meant. Perplexity AI gave a GREAT answer:

This image is a famous historical illustration of a plague doctor, a physician who treated victims of the bubonic plague in Europe, especially during the 17th century. The distinctive outfit—long overcoat, gloves, wide-brimmed hat, and most notably, the mask with a long beak—was designed both to protect the doctor from disease and to signal their role to the public.

Symbolism and Meaning:
The Beak Mask: The beak was often filled with aromatic herbs, flowers, or spices. At the time, it was believed that diseases were spread by “bad air” (miasma theory), and pleasant smells would protect the wearer from infection.

The Stick: The stick allowed the doctor to examine or direct patients without touching them, maintaining physical distance.

Long Robe and Gloves: Made from waxed fabric or leather, these were intended to minimize skin exposure and possible disease transmission.

Hat: Signified the status of a physician.

Translation of the French Caption:
"Habit des Médecins, et autres personnes qui visitent les Pestiférés. Il est de maroquin de Levant, le masque a les yeux de cristal, et un long nez rempli de parfums."

Translation:
"Outfit of the doctors, and other people who visit the plague-stricken. It is made of Levantine morocco [leather], the mask has crystal eyes, and a long nose filled with perfumes."

[SunkenCiv]

Possibly, or paper plates. 😊

Maybe it got passed from sharing a common drinking cup.

[Red Badger]

[catnipman]

“trade routes, climate change, and human mobility” ... they forgot “racism” ...

[SunkenCiv]

Never order anything called “rice festival”.

[Red Badger]

or Poo-Poo Platter....................

[Bon of Babble]

Discover how trade routes, climate change, and human mobility allowed a microscopic killer to...

They had to put in "climate change" didn't they - as one of the causes of black plague.

Modern "climate scientist" will pick up on this and claim "man-made climate change will bring back the Black Death!"

[telescope115]

My eyes lock on the link “Have an autoimmune disease? Blame the Black Death” from 11/15/2023. Very VERY interesting. Great video, I don’t know how I missed this before. Thanks for your tireless effort…..

[woodbutcher1963]

Bring out your dead!

[Colorado Doug]

It originated in a wet market near Lake Issyk Kul

[ckilmer]

There is a more interesting story that has come out in recent years.

Scientists have long wondered why the black death in Europe only killed maybe 40% of the population while European and african diseases in the Americas killed over 95% of the native american population.

It turns out that the middle ages outburst of the plague in europe was not the first time that happened.

The first occurance was roughly 1600 BC. It helped enable the steppe herders from Modern Ukraine to move into europe.

[SunkenCiv]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma_mamqzSFg&t=175

[SunkenCiv]

The one about the medieval village DNA may also be of interest.

[telescope115]

Yes indeed, thanks.

[mass55th]

"800 years ago - but they cite climate change as a factor"

If they traced it back to a cemetery and 800 year old graves, did grave robbers dig it up and reintroduce it for it to mutate? I'm not a scientist but asking out of curiosity.

[Texan5]

I think you mean “languished”-as in existing in miserable conditions or being neglected. Can we please refrain from the use of autocomplete when posting? It does not know how to construct a sentence that makes any sense...

[Texan5]

I can hardly believe they have acknowledged the existence of climate change before the 20th century-someone must have cancelled their grants...

[Pelham]

Curiosity over the Medieval Warm Period is what prompted Hubert Lamb to create the study of Climate Science back in the late 1960s.

He never did claim to know what caused it, nor a similar Roman era warm period. And unlike those who came after him, he didn’t think that global warming was a threat. He thought that another ice age was likely, which is why so many magazines around 1970 ran with that idea.

[Pelham]

“My eyes lock on the link “Have an autoimmune disease? Blame the Black Death”

I’ve got three. “Collect the entire set”. It turns out that the best predictor of getting an autoimmune disease is to already have a different one. Thanks a lot, Black Death.