The oldest cases of plague in Britain date back to the Bronze Age, according to Prehistoric Pathogens.

Prehistoric Pathogens, a research group dedicated to studying ancient diseases, has recently made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the history of the plague in Britain. Through the analysis of ancient DNA, the group has found evidence of the disease dating back to the Bronze Age, making it the oldest known case of the plague in Britain.

The plague, also known as the Black Death, is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is most commonly associated with the epidemic that swept through Europe in the 14th century, killing millions of people. However, the disease has a much longer history, with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient times.

The discovery of the Bronze Age plague in Britain was made through the analysis of dental pulp from the remains of individuals buried in a burial mound in Cambridgeshire. The remains were dated to between 3,700 and 3,500 years ago, making them some of the oldest human remains ever found in Britain.

The analysis revealed the presence of Yersinia pestis DNA in the dental pulp of one of the individuals, indicating that they had been infected with the plague. This is the first time that the plague has been identified in ancient British remains, and it sheds new light on the history of the disease in the region.

The discovery is significant because it suggests that the plague was present in Britain much earlier than previously thought. It also raises questions about how the disease was transmitted and how it spread throughout the region. The researchers believe that the disease may have been brought to Britain by traders or migrants from continental Europe, where the disease was already present.

The Bronze Age plague in Britain is just one of many discoveries made by Prehistoric Pathogens in recent years. The group has been at the forefront of research into ancient diseases, using cutting-edge techniques to analyze ancient DNA and identify the pathogens responsible for diseases that plagued our ancestors.

Their work has revealed new insights into the history of diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, and syphilis, and has helped to shed light on the evolution of these diseases over time. It has also highlighted the importance of studying ancient diseases in order to better understand the origins and spread of modern diseases.

The discovery of the Bronze Age plague in Britain is a reminder of the long and complex history of infectious diseases, and of the importance of studying the past in order to better understand the present. It is also a testament to the power of modern science to unlock the secrets of our ancient past, and to shed new light on the mysteries of human history.