Uncovering the Deadly Disease that Wiped Out the Aztecs

Introduction

The Aztecs were one of the most advanced civilizations in ancient America, but they were wiped out in the late 15th and early 16th centuries by a deadly disease. At the time, the cause of the outbreak was unknown, but in modern times, scientists have been able to shed light on what might have caused this tragedy.

What was the Disease?

The disease that devastated the Aztecs is known as cocoliztli. The word cocoliztli means “pestilence” or “plague” in the Aztecan Nahuatl language. The symptoms of this disease included high fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and skin lesions. People who contracted this disease usually died within three or four days.

The Outbreak

The cocoliztli outbreak occurred in two waves, starting in 1545 and then again in 1576. It is estimated that up to 80% of the Aztecs died during this time. The disease was so deadly that it even affected the Spanish conquerors who had arrived in the area. The origin of the disease is unclear, but researchers believe that it might have been an indigenous disease that was exacerbated by climate change.

Research Findings

In recent years, scientists have been able to analyze the remains of the Aztecs who died during the outbreak. They have found traces of the bacterium called Salmonella enterica in the teeth of those who perished. This bacterium causes typhoid fever, which has similar symptoms as cocoliztli. The research also suggests that the outbreak was made worse by a severe drought that lasted for several years.

Conclusion

The cocoliztli outbreak was a tragedy for the Aztecs and a mystery for centuries. The recent research findings have shed light on the possible cause of this deadly disease. It is a reminder that even the most advanced civilizations can be devastated by uncontrollable natural phenomena.