Anthrax historical perspective
Anthrax Microchapters |
Diagnosis |
---|
Treatment |
Case Studies |
Anthrax historical perspective On the Web |
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Anthrax historical perspective |
Risk calculators and risk factors for Anthrax historical perspective |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
Historical perspective
Ancient Origins of Anthrax
Anthrax is thought to have originated in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Many scholars think that in Moses’ time, during the 10 plagues of Egypt, anthrax may have caused what was known as the fifth plague, described as a sickness affecting horses, cattle, sheep, camels and oxen. Ancient Greece and Rome were also well acquainted with anthrax, and this is illustrated in many of the ancient writings of the most famous scholars from those times. For example, many scholars think anthrax was depicted by Homer in the Iliad from 1230 BC and by Virgil in 70-90 BC. Some even suggest that anthrax may have contributed to the fall of Rome.