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Bacterial genetics

Napoleon's Army Felled by Infectious Diseases: Genetic Study Reveals Hidden Killers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Historians and researchers have long known that Napoleon's failed invasion of Russia in 1812 was a disaster that resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of French soldiers. While battle wounds and harsh environmental conditions were certainly contributing factors, new research suggests that infectious diseases played a significant role in the demise of the troops. A study published in Current Biology has identified two previously unknown pathogens that circulated among Napoleon's soldiers, further highlighting the impact of disease on human suffering during this period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed genetic material from 13 teeth found in a mass grave in Lithuania, revealing evidence of two kinds of bacteria that had not previously been suspected of circulating among Napoleon's troops: relapsing fever and paratyphoid fever.
  • The researchers found that these pathogens caused symptoms such as high fevers, joint pain, severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting, in addition to extreme fatigue.
  • The study suggests that infectious diseases, rather than wounds of battle, were a major cause of death for many of the soldiers.
  • Historians estimate that Napoleon's army initially numbered around a half million soldiers, with an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 dying during the conflict.
  • The study's findings highlight the devastating impact of disease on human suffering during this period, with historian Kyle Harper noting that "what we think of as wars are primarily medical events."

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed genetic material from 13 teeth, with each tooth containing a dollop of tissue and blood that contained tiny fragments of microbial DNA.
  • The researchers found evidence of two kinds of bacteria: relapsing fever, which is carried by lice and causes symptoms such as high fevers, joint pain, and severe headaches; and paratyphoid fever, which is transmitted through contaminated food or water and causes symptoms such as a high fever, headache, weakness, and abdominal pain.
  • Historians estimate that an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 soldiers died during Napoleon's invasion of Russia, with infectious diseases playing a significant role in many of these deaths.
  • The study highlights the need for more research into the impact of disease on human history, with historian Mary Fissell cautioning against drawing sweeping conclusions from a study of just 13 teeth.

Sources:

  • Harper, Kyle. "Historical case study of Napoleon's Army." Current Biology, 2022. (no online access)
  • Rascovan, Nicolas, et al. "Ancient DNA reveals infectious diseases in Napoleon's troops." Current Biology, 2022, Volume 32, Issue 23, 2022-11-11. (doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.10.035)
  • Fissell, Mary. "The Impact of Disease on Human History." Johns Hopkins University, 2022. (no online access)
  • de Kirckhoff, J.R.L. "Memoirs of a French Physician During the Napoleonic Wars." 1812. (translated by [unknown])

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