A team of researchers from the University of Aberdeen has made a significant discovery regarding the Black Death in Scotland. Their findings, which have been published in the journal PlosOne, reveal that the Black Death was present in Aberdeen as late as the 1640s. This research sheds light on the impact of the plague on Scotland during a time of civil war.
The team, consisting of archaeologists, osteologists, historians, and ancient DNA specialists, identified the ancient DNA of the bacterial agent Yersinia pestis in human remains associated with a plague pit in Aberdeen. This marks the first direct evidence of the plague in Scotland using advanced DNA techniques.
Although the plague is commonly known as the ‘Black Death’ due to the second global pandemic in the 14th century, the Yersinia pestis organism was responsible for various outbreaks over centuries. The last recorded outbreak in Scotland occurred from 1644 to 1649.
Led by Professor Marc Oxenham, the team mapped the spread of the plague during the six-year epidemic and examined remains excavated in Aberdeen in 1987. The research focused on the human response to the final Scottish outbreak, which was a time of great hardship due to war, economic struggles, and the epidemic.
The team discovered that despite the fear of the plague, there were instances of normal burials and memorialization of plague victims within church grounds. This indicates a level of care and compassion for the dead, suggesting that humanity prevailed even in the face of such a devastating epidemic.
Dr. Rebecca Crozier, who leads the osteoarchaeology program at the University of Aberdeen, emphasized the importance of understanding how communities treated those who died from the plague. The research highlights that even in times of great crisis, there were acts of kindness and respect shown towards the deceased.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into how Scottish communities coped with the Black Death in the 17th century. By examining burial practices and human responses to the epidemic, researchers have gained a deeper understanding of the compassion and resilience displayed during a time of great suffering. This research not only contributes to our knowledge of historical pandemics but also serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of humanity in the face of adversity.
