Archeologists have unearthed an ancient plague that, in its time, could have ended human existence.
The pandemic evidence has been found in Egypt where researchers have linked the contagious disease to the apocalypse.
During one epidemic around 250AD, it was said the plague almost wiped out entire Roman Empire, killing 5,000 people a day in the Italian capital.
The team from the Italian Archaeological Mission to Luxor found incinerated bodies covered in lime who were thrown into the depths of the valleys in attempt to rid the plague from Egypt. The disease was so dangerous that the area has been untouched in the ancient city of Thebes.
The plague was most potent from 250AD to 300AD, when it killed millions around the globe and even claimed the life of Roman emperor Claudius II.
The pandemic evidence has been found in Egypt where researchers have linked the contagious disease to the apocalypse.
During one epidemic around 250AD, it was said the plague almost wiped out entire Roman Empire, killing 5,000 people a day in the Italian capital.
The team from the Italian Archaeological Mission to Luxor found incinerated bodies covered in lime who were thrown into the depths of the valleys in attempt to rid the plague from Egypt. The disease was so dangerous that the area has been untouched in the ancient city of Thebes.
The plague was most potent from 250AD to 300AD, when it killed millions around the globe and even claimed the life of Roman emperor Claudius II.
The plague of Cyprian was named after the writer and Christian bishop of Carthage who witnessed and described the plague. The pandemic broke out in 251 AD affecting the Roman Empire until 266 AD although it still raged for several years. The plague is an accreditation for the population’s conversions to Christianity. It also relates to the time when Christians began wearing black to show that they were mourning.
Saint Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, Tunisia, was an early Christian writer and linked it to the end of the world when he heard stories of it spreading from country to country. He wrote: "The kingdom of God, beloved brethren, is beginning to be at hand.”
The discovery team's research was published in the journal Egyptian Archeology. They still continue to dig for more evidence although extracting the DNA from the dead bodies would be impossible in a climate like Egypt, where the DNA is completely destroyed.
Researchers are now hoping to find live samples of the disease elsewhere around the globe although any finds they make would have to be carefully contained to avoid a new epidemic.
Why don't archeologists leave the evidence where it lies? I can't see the point of finding something so dangerous. The contagion could get into the wrong hands and be used to control the world. Shudder! (I see the potential for a new plot.)
But let me give you a glimpse of the way my co-writer, Edith Parzefall and I envisaged the end of the world. You'll find my novels on the sidebar, one click away from Amazon. Here's an excerpt from the beginning of the forth book in the post-apocalyptic Higher Ground series, Long Doom Calling:
Saint Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, Tunisia, was an early Christian writer and linked it to the end of the world when he heard stories of it spreading from country to country. He wrote: "The kingdom of God, beloved brethren, is beginning to be at hand.”
The discovery team's research was published in the journal Egyptian Archeology. They still continue to dig for more evidence although extracting the DNA from the dead bodies would be impossible in a climate like Egypt, where the DNA is completely destroyed.
Researchers are now hoping to find live samples of the disease elsewhere around the globe although any finds they make would have to be carefully contained to avoid a new epidemic.
Why don't archeologists leave the evidence where it lies? I can't see the point of finding something so dangerous. The contagion could get into the wrong hands and be used to control the world. Shudder! (I see the potential for a new plot.)
But let me give you a glimpse of the way my co-writer, Edith Parzefall and I envisaged the end of the world. You'll find my novels on the sidebar, one click away from Amazon. Here's an excerpt from the beginning of the forth book in the post-apocalyptic Higher Ground series, Long Doom Calling:
Journal of Tallulah McBride
March 25, 2027.
My last entry. Nothing works any more. No power, light or heat. I'm wearing layers of clothing and my darling cat died of the cold. I'm alone.
Water has flooded all the land to the church, which sits on the highest ground in Elstree. At the start of the technical breakdown, many people drove away from London, but cars ran out of petrol and they lie abandoned underwater all the way down the hill.
I must hurry to wrap this record in plastic and seal it inside the golden casket. The sheik gave the box to me when he visited London with his people. A beautiful man, handsome and smart. Never mind. It's over. The romance and my life.
My fingers are stiff and I must finish. I'll climb up to the bell tower with the box. I'm not looking forward to the height. I'll hold onto the rope pull until I reach the top.
If this journal survives, pray for the earth. Take care of the trees. We've damaged the atmosphere and poisoned rivers and oceans. Too many people. Meteor showers finished off our offence against the planet. Are we doomed? Maybe we have a slim chance.
Ho, hum! Let's hope the world continues long into the future. Even Saint Cyprian got it wrong.
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