The origin and early spread of the Black Death in Italy: first evidence of plague victims from 14th-century Liguria (northern Italy)
D.T. Cesana|Ole Jørgen Benedictow|Raffaella Bianucci
Spread by infected galleys coming from Kaffa (Crimea), the Black Death reached Genoa, as it now seems, in late summer of 1347 AD. Genoa functioned an epicentre which contagion was spread into mainland through a complex system routes, linked Liguria to northern and central Italy. Along these routes various institutions were found, namely ‘ospitali’ (hospitals) ‘stationes’ (stations), where traders pilgrims stopped rest recuperate. In 2006 multiple burial archaeologically dated second half/end 14th century discovered cemetery pertaining ‘ospitale’ San Nicolao (Genoa). The excavation showed that contained remains four individuals: 38–40 week pregnant woman with her fetus two sub-adults. Stratigraphy individuals buried simultaneously. Given dating fits arrival Second Pandemic Europe, hypothesized they might have died during epidemic. identification Yersinia pestis F1 antigen three corroborated this hypothesis. Here we report first evidence Y. infection 14th-century discuss possible mechanisms plague dissemination surrounding regions. fact, Nicolao, located at 792 m a.s.l. Bracco Massif, used resting place/hostel travellers (e.g. heading for Rome). This represented key point leading pathways forming initial part Vie Romee better known under name Via Francigena Italian territory and, consequence, ideal site could be disseminated.
Anthropological science