Black Death Burial Ground Unearthed in London
Posted on March 16, 2013
Over one dozen skeletons have been discovered in what is being called a Black Death burial ground in London. The skeletons were found during the excavation for the Crossrail project. Crossrail actually hired archaeologists to investigate sites ahead of major construction.
The Black Death was a plague that killed an estimated 75 million people from 1347 to 1351 according to a Reuters article. Some experts believe malnutrition during this time period helped increase the mortality rate of the plague. A History.com feature on the Black Death says those ill with the plague were "covered in mysterious black boils that oozed blood and pus." Other symptoms included fever, chills, vomiting, pain and diarrhea. The plague is believed to have been spread by the Yersinia pestis bacterium.
Here is some footage of the skeletons found in London. Archaeologists will study the teeth and general health of the skeleton to learn more about the Black Death. Take a look: