14th Century Tooth Reveals Grim Fate of Edinburgh Teen Killed by the Black Death
A 14th-century teenager died from the Black Death in Edinburgh. Researchers discovered the pathogen in his teeth, which may be the first scientific evidence of the plague in the city.
The city of Edinburgh, Scotland, recently celebrated its 900th anniversary. As part of the celebration, St. Giles' Cathedral hosted an exhibit showcasing the lives of Edinburgh’s earliest residents.
- Data from the remains of individuals buried within St. Giles and exhumed in 1981 revealed their health, diet, and even their faces — digitally reconstructed.
- A teenage boy's teeth were analyzed, and researchers found that he likely died from the Black Death — or, the bubonic plague.
Read More: Black Death Bacterium Evolved to be Less Aggressive to Kill Victims Slowly
Author's summary: Teenager died from Black Death in Edinburgh.