14th Century Tooth Reveals Grim Fate of Edinburgh Teen Killed by the Black Death
A teenager from 14th-century Edinburgh likely died from the Black Death, according to recent research analyzing his teeth. This discovery may represent the earliest scientific evidence of the plague in the city.
Historical Context and Excavation
The city of Edinburgh, Scotland, recently marked its 900th anniversary alongside St. Giles' Cathedral. As part of this celebration, St. Giles hosted an exhibit highlighting the lives of some of Edinburgh’s earliest residents.
In 1981, before a remodeling of St. Giles' Cathedral, researchers excavated an area within the site. They found pottery, ceramic building materials, bone objects, metal fragments, medieval glass, coins, and over 100 human remains.
Scientific Findings from the Remains
The remains—kept in city archives until recently—provided data on the individuals' health, diet, and faces, which were digitally reconstructed. Among these, one teenage boy stood out:
After analyzing his teeth, researchers concluded he most likely died from the Black Death, or bubonic plague.
Significance of the Discovery
This finding is important as it offers physical evidence of the plague reaching Edinburgh, shedding light on the spread and impact of the Black Death in Scotland.
Additional Note
Further reading discusses how the Black Death bacterium evolved to become less aggressive, allowing it to kill victims more slowly over time.
Author’s summary: A 14th-century Edinburgh teenager’s tooth reveals the earliest scientific proof of the Black Death in the city, discovered through an extensive 1981 excavation at St. Giles' Cathedral.