Napoleon’s failed 1812 invasion of Russia remains a historic military disaster. His army entered Russia with about half a million soldiers. Yet, fewer than 100,000 returned, and some estimates fall as low as 10,000. Disease was one of several devastating forces behind this catastrophic loss.
A recent investigation uncovered clues about the infections that struck Napoleon’s troops. Researchers examined 13 teeth from male soldiers found in a mass grave in Vilnius, Lithuania. The teeth contained preserved tissue and blood traces that held microbial DNA fragments.
By analyzing this DNA, researchers identified two bacteria never before linked to Napoleon’s retreat. Their findings shed light on the agonizing conditions that plagued soldiers during the withdrawal. The results help explain how disease spread so easily amid the freezing march home.
What New Evidence Did Researchers Uncover?
The researchers found two main diseases in the soldiers’ remains. These were relapsing fever and paratyphoid fever. Relapsing fever is spread by lice and has symptoms similar to typhus. It causes high fever, joint pain, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Paratyphoid fever spreads through contaminated food and water. It leads to fever, headache, muscle weakness, and stomach pain. Both infections would have worsened the troops’ already poor condition.
However, there is no reason to assume these diseases caused most of the deaths. Many soldiers also suffered from starvation, dehydration, and exhaustion. Severe cold, frostbite, and other infections likely contributed to their tragic losses.
The study referenced an 1812 report from Dr. J. R. L. de Kerkhoff. He served under Napoleon and described outbreaks of typhus, dysentery, and diarrhea among the troops. Researchers noted that these symptoms could match paratyphoid fever if soldiers ate contaminated food. However, they also acknowledged that many other diseases circulating at the time could cause similar symptoms.
Findings suggested that relapsing fever was likely spread by lice. This infection would have overwhelmed soldiers already weakened by hunger and cold. Their immune systems were depleted, leaving them vulnerable to severe illness.
Researchers also emphasized the promise of their methods for future studies. Sequencing ancient DNA could help uncover other diseases that shaped human history.
Conclusion
A study provides new insight into the health catastrophes facing Napoleon’s army in their 1812 retreat from Russia. By identifying relapsing fever and paratyphoid fever, researchers revealed overlooked causes of suffering. Their work shows how modern DNA tools can illuminate history’s greatest human tragedies.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
US - English
CA - English
Rest of World - English
