Ancient DNA finally Solves the Mystery of the World’s First Pandemic
1st September 2025
Scientists have finally uncovered direct genetic evidence of Yersinia pestis — the bacterium behind the Plague of Justinian — in a mass grave in Jerash, Jordan. This long-sought discovery resolves a centuries-old debate, confirming that the plague that devastated the Byzantine Empire truly was caused by the same pathogen behind later outbreaks like the Black Death.
This is the first recorded pandemic, the Plague of Justinian, which occurred roughtly 550-660 AD. It devastated the Eastern Roman Empire and paved the way for the subsequent Muslim conquests.