Smithsonian Magazine: Ancient DNA Offers Crucial Hints to the Origin of Syphilis, a Decades-Long Mystery That Has Divided Scientists Ancient DNA Offers Crucial Hints to the Origin of Syphilis, a Decades-Long Mystery That Has Divided Scientists Yahoo: Ancient children's teeth reveal a syphilis-like disease was spreading in Vietnam 4,000 years ago Ancient children's teeth reveal a syphilis-like disease was spreading in Vietnam 4,000 years ago Live Science: Syphilis originated in the Americas, ancient DNA shows, but European colonialism spread it widely Syphilis originated in the Americas, ancient DNA shows, but European colonialism spread it widely The Washington Post: Ancient DNA suggests syphilis originated in Americas before ravaging Europe Scientific American: The bacterium behind syphilis has a far more ancient history than we thought The bacterium behind syphilis has a far more ancient history than we thought Phys.org: Ancient 'syphilis-like' disease in Vietnam challenges long-held assumptions on congenital infection Yahoo: Ancient DNA Reveals Twisted Roots of Syphilis Go Back 5,500 Years techtimes: Ancient DNA Shows Syphilis-Like Diseases Were Widespread in Americas Before Columbus’ Arrival Researchers have found ancient DNA belonging to the syphilis pathogen in 2,000-year-old human bones unearthed in Brazil. It marked the discovery of the earliest known genomic evidence of Treponema ... Ancient DNA Shows Syphilis-Like Diseases Were Widespread in Americas Before Columbus’ Arrival Business Insider: Ancient human DNA suggests Columbus may not have brought syphilis to Europe after all Ancient human DNA suggests Columbus may not have brought syphilis to Europe after all Researchers have for decades believed that of these diseases, only syphilis could be transmitted congenitally, lending to the assumption that syphilis began with Christopher Columbus’ journeys.

Understanding the Context