Why did the Aztec Empire decline?
The Aztec Empire was struck by a disease in 1545.The people who came down with it might become feverish, start vomiting, and develop blisters on their skin.They would bleed from their eyes, mouth, and nose and die within a few days.
Between seven and 17 million people were killed by the disease over the next five years.Scientists and historians have been wondering what the source of the epidemic was.A group of researchers may have found the answer.
On January 15, 2017, the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution published a study about the teeth of cocoliztli victims.Most Americans know that if you eat raw eggs or chicken, you can get salmonella.
Even though S. enterica was the only germ that was detected in the victims teeth, researchers caution that other indetectable pathogens could have been involved.
The co-author of the recent study told The Guardian that they can't say with certainty that S. enterica was the cause.It should be considered a strong candidate.
The Spanish conquistador made contact with native Mexicans.The Universal History Archive has images.
European invaders brought diseases to the Americas in the 16th and 17th centuries.It is possible that Spanish invaders brought the disease to the Aztecs.
There is a chance that it originated in the Americas according to the study.The Aztec people were affected by the Spanishbacteria even if they didn't bring it.