European colonization
Coverage of European colonization in the Nexus archive.
- Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
Ancient mummy DNA research offers the strongest evidence yet that European colonization introduced smallpox to the Americas. The study confirms historical accounts linking the disease's arrival to European contact.
- Ancient mummy DNA provides scientific evidence that colonization brought smallpox to the Americas
Ancient mummy DNA from Chile provides genetic evidence that smallpox was introduced to the Americas through European colonization, with infections dating between 1492 and 1631. The study links the virus to European strains, confirming historical accounts of its deadly impact on Indigenous populations.
- Smallpox DNA in ancient Inca mummies shows virus came from Europe
DNA analysis of Inca mummies in Chile revealed a smallpox strain originating from Europe, confirming the virus was introduced to the Americas through colonization. The study identified smallpox in two individuals who died between 1492 and 1631, linking the virus to European strains and highlighting its devastating impact on Indigenous populations.
- Chilean mummies reveal a lost lineage of smallpox
DNA from Chilean mummies reveals an extinct lineage of smallpox. The virus was introduced to the Americas during European colonization from the Atlantic region.