[SunkenCiv]

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v229/n5284/abs/229409a0.html

Nature 229, 409 (05 February 1971); doi:10.1038/229409a0

Syphilis and Neanderthal Man

D. J. M. WRIGHT

Department of Venereology, Guy’s Hospital Medical School, London SE1

BONE changes in Neanderthal remains which, it has been suggested1, might be caused by rickets are not unlike those seen in certain treponemal diseases, notably congenital syphilis. Examining the Neanderthal collection at the British Museum (Natural History), I noted several features compatible with treponemal disease.

[VOA]

for further reference...
yeah, I know it’s from PBS, but “Secrets
of The Dead” does some good episodes.

“The Syphilis Enigma”

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/case_syphilis/index.html

[curmudgeonII]

BONE changes in Neanderthal remains which, it has been suggested1, might be caused by rickets are not unlike those seen in certain treponemal diseases, notably congenital syphilis. Examining the Neanderthal collection at the British Museum (Natural History), I noted several features compatible with treponemal disease.

I've known a number of pathologists who believe that syphilis is the leprosy referred to in the bible.