What deadly pathogens were found in the remains of Napoleon's soldiers?

Researchers found evidence of bacteria that cause paratyphoid fever and louse-borne relapsing fever in the teeth of French soldiers buried in a mass grave in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Where were ancient Roman artifacts and a well-preserved dog discovered?

The SOLVA Archaeology Service in Belgium announced the recent discovery of ancient Roman artifacts and remains, including a well-preserved dog, in the town of Velzeke.

How did the pathogens contribute to the downfall of Napoleon's forces in Russia?

The study found that the paratyphoid fever and louse-borne relapsing fever infections, in addition to starvation, typhus, and freezing temperatures, contributed to the debilitation and high mortality of Napoleon's Grande Armée during their disastrous retreat from Moscow in 1812.

Home / Science / Genetic Analysis Reveals Deadly Pathogens that Plagued Napoleon's Soldiers

Genetic Analysis Reveals Deadly Pathogens that Plagued Napoleon's Soldiers

15 Nov

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Summary

Traces of paratyphoid fever and louse-borne relapsing fever found in soldiers' remains
Artifacts and well-preserved dog discovered in Belgium
Infections contributed to debilitation and mortality of Napoleon's troops

Genetic Analysis Reveals Deadly Pathogens that Plagued Napoleon's Soldiers

In a remarkable archaeological find, the SOLVA Archaeology Service in Belgium has announced the discovery of ancient Roman artifacts and remains, including a well-preserved dog, in the town of Velzeke. This discovery sheds new light on the region's history.

Separately, a study published in the journal Current Biology on November 3, 2025 has provided a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding the downfall of Napoleon's forces during his disastrous 1812 invasion of Russia. Researchers analyzed DNA from the teeth of French soldiers buried in a mass grave in Vilnius, Lithuania, and found evidence of the deadly pathogens that plagued Napoleon's troops.