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Columbus Exonerated: Did Not Discover Syphilis
Columbus Not Bringing Syphillis To the Queen

Explorer, conqueror, and, to some, the carrier of syphilis back to Europe from the New World, Columbus’ reputation seemed set in stone for eternity. Now some nifty forensic archeology may have exonerated the Admiral of the Ocean Sea from responsibility for the scourge that was first documented in Europe two years after his return from the West Indies. Researchers digging in an old church cemetery in East London say they’ve discovered bodies from the 13th and 14th Centuries which show tell-tale signs of syphilis like rough patches on the limbs and skulls of the corpses. Bodies interred with the disease two centuries before Columbus’ voyage would seem like exciting proof to Anglo scientists. However, the Brits managed to contain themselves: “We’re confident that Christopher Columbus is simply not a feature of the emergence and timing of the disease in Europe,” Brian Connell of the Museum of London said.

Now all that we know for sure is that the Europeans gifted diseases like smallpox and measles to the native populations but got precious little in return, that little island at the mouth of the Hudson River notwithstanding. Vikings are now the chief suspects for bringing the epidemic.

Source: AOLNews

Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

35 thoughts on “Columbus Exonerated: Did Not Discover Syphilis”

  4. I’d be curious to read the scientists’ original paper. The AOL News story doesn’t really do a good job of explaining the theory of why the disease blossomed into an epidemic outbreak in 1495, even if there had been isolated cases of a disease with similar bone damage 100+ years earlier. (Epidemic syphilis bore little resemblance to the mild-mannered, long-acting pathogen we know today. The fact that an extreme epidemic occurred suggests a virgin population.)

  5. Vikings, Muppets and Craig Ferguson, a great thread. I agree with you Elaine, I too just looooove Craig. His musical numbers (With puppets!)are outstanding.

  6. Mespo mentioned vikings and horns so this old 1959 film brings more credence/evidence that the vikings were the vectors of disease.

    The horn is @ timeframes 04:14 to 04:44

    This was my favorite movie in 1959 and the soundtrack, including the ‘horn’ melody, is one of the best.

  8. Elaine,

    I forget what night it was last week, but Craig did a bit where he opened the show with a sheep puppet that had me in tears. There is something wrong with that boy. I mean that in best way possible. Even with my stated aversion to being on television, that’s a show I’d go on just to enjoy the crazy ride.

  12. Sometimes it’s not wear the hat is worn, but with what style it is worn. 😉

  15. “Vikings are now the chief suspects for bringing the epidemic.”

    At first I could not ‘believe’ that these vikings could be responsible for such a horrid disease; however, when they started sangin’ ‘In the Navy’ I put 2 ‘n 2 together and yep, they are the culprits…case closed.

    P.S. That is one ‘way out there’ Muppets video!

  18. Sure, Buddha sure. Please then explain to us where you got that “horny” hat!

  19. I remained dressed and behaved like a gentleman at all times so don’t look at me.

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