Which Theory for the Origin of Syphilis Is True?

Abstract

Introduction There are four theories about the origin of syphilis, of which the mostly represented one is the Columbian theory. This theory suggests that syphilis was brought into Europe in 1493 ad by the ship from Caribbean islands. Aim The aim of this study is to test all theories on a sample of 403 skeletons: 135 from prehistory, 134 from antique, and 134 from medieval period and new age from the Dalmatia (Croatia). Methods All skeletons were examined using standard anthropological methods. Paleopathological analysis was performed on each skeleton as well as additional radiographic method on one isolated skeleton. Main Outcome Measures Paleopathological changes on skeletal remains connected with treponematosis. Results Paleopathological analysis revealed one skeleton from the antique period (second to 6th century ad) that exhibited skeletal markers similar to those described in one clinical case in which congenital syphilis was confirmed by a Wasserman reaction. Skeletal remains of this person were examined macroscopically and radiographically, and the differential diagnostics eliminated other considered pathologies as well as trauma. Conclusions The finding of skeletal markers of syphilis on a skeleton from the antique supports the theory of pre-Columbian syphilis origin.

Syphilis: then and now

“…Another idea, similar in time, talks about the army of Charles VIII and its impact on the spread of syphilis in Europe. On 1 September 1494, King Charles VIII of France invaded Italy with a multinational army composed mostly of mercenaries [ 10 ].…”

“…It is worth mentioning that the spirochete Treponema pallidum was identified in 1905 by Fritz Richard Schaudinn and Paul Erich Hoffmann. On this basis, August von Wassermann developed the first serologic test for the diagnosis of syphilis (the Wassermann reaction test) [ 10 ].…”

Advancing the understanding of treponemal disease in the past and present

“…Because syphilis was perceived to be a new condition that suddenly appeared in Europe in the late 15th century, debate about its origin has persisted for more than five centuries (see reviews by Baker & Armelagos, ; Cook & Powell, ; Harper, Zuckerman, Harper, Kingston, & Armelagos, ), giving rise to the competing Columbian, Pre‐Columbian, Unitarian, and Evolutionary hypotheses. Questions concerning the spread of infections caused by T. pallidum subspecies and their emergence in different parts of the world are still contested in anthropological (e.g., Cook & Powell, ; Zuckerman, ) and medical circles (e.g., Anteric, Basic, Vilovic, Kolic, & Andjelnovic, ; Karem & Pillay, ; Tampa, Sarbu, Matei, Benea, & Georgescu, ). As a result, “the history of treponematosis continues to be one of the most contentious issues in science” (Ortner, :273).…”

Sex determination from femora in late antique sample from Eastern Adriatic coast (Salona necropolis)

“…After the civil war between Caesar and Pompei in 48 BC, Salona, who sided with Caesar, became a Roman colony with the full name of Colonia Martia Ivlia Salona and became the centre of the Roman province of Illyricum, later a province of Dalmatia. After the Illyrian rebellion was suppressed (during the Baton rebellion that lasted from 6th to 9th year AD), a period of peace and prosperity occurred, mostly seen through its urban development and strong building activity (Anteric et al 2014). …”