[SunkenCiv]

...the researchers are sticking to their original assumption instead of coming to a conclusion based on evidence.

and from the FRchives:

• A New Skeleton and an Old Debate About Syphilis [2016]
• Henry VIII's erratic behavior was likely caused by an NFL-style injury, argue Yale researchers [2016]
• Syphilis widespread in Central Europe even before Columbus' voyage to America [2015]
• Skeletons point to Columbus voyage for syphilis origins [2011]
• Solving the puzzle of Henry VIII [2011]
• Outbreak at Playboy Mansion [2011]
• Skeleton dating clears Columbus of importing syphilis to Europe [2010]
• New study blames Columbus for syphilis spread [2008]
• Origins of Syphilis [It was waiting for Columbus and his crew~~~NEW WORLD] [2007]
• Italian Skeletons Reveal Old World Diseases [2004]

[Beowulf9]

I did not know they claimed this but it’s cool to know this.

[volunbeer]

Does this mean they will not tear down the Columbus statues? Asking for a friend....

[Viking2002]

So, ol’ Chris may have been a randy lad, but he didn’t bring home the Devil’s Crotch Crickets to the wife then, did he?

[Sacajaweau]

GRANT MONEY IS FOREVER!!

[Varda]

I’d heard this idea years ago. There really was no evidence that the voyages spread syphilus in Europe. Some people just liked the idea.

On the flip side there was no evidence that Europeans spread tuberculosis in the New World either. Later on it was proven that tuberculosis has been in the New World for many thousands of years.

[Red Badger]

... some researchers suspect ... growing body of archaeological evidence ... suggestive ... some possibly dating to the 14th century ... with suspected syphilis ... estimate the ages ... radiocarbon dates are inherently uncertain ... dates into the early 1600s.

I just love scientific facts.......................

[ThanhPhero]

I wonder how many of the apparent psycho and otherwise crazy kings had this sort of problem? With the centuries of inbreeding the chances are pretty high.