From malaria, to smallpox, to polio – here’s how we know life in ancient Egypt was ravaged by disease
- Written by: Thomas Jeffries, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, Western Sydney University
ShutterstockThe mention of ancient Egypt usually conjures images of colossal pyramids and precious, golden tombs.
But as with most civilisations, the invisible world of infectious disease underpinned life and death along the Nile. In fact, fear of disease was so pervasive it influenced social and religious customs. It even featured in the statues,...
