From malaria, to smallpox, to polio – here’s how we know life in ancient Egypt was ravaged by disease

By Thomas Jeffries, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, Western Sydney University

The 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, monuments and graves of the Kingdom of the Pharaohs.

By studying ancient specimens and artefacts, scientists are uncovering how disease rocked this ancient culture.

Tutankhamun’s malaria, and other examples

The most…

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