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Study Disproves Plague Myth in Ancient Amarna, Egypt

11/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The new study challenges the belief that the "plague of Akhetaten" affected Amarna, Egypt.
Researchers analyzed burial practices and population patterns from four cemeteries, studying 11,350 to 12,950 individuals.
Lead bioarchaeologist Gretchen R. Dabbs concluded there is no evidence of a lethal epidemic and that burials were orderly.
The findings indicate the city faced stress and poor nutrition, but was not devastated by plague.

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Story summary

The new study challenges the belief that the "plague of Akhetaten" affected Amarna, Egypt.
Researchers analyzed burial practices and population patterns from four cemeteries, studying 11,350 to 12,950 individuals.
Lead bioarchaeologist Gretchen R. Dabbs concluded there is no evidence of a lethal epidemic and that burials were orderly.
The findings indicate the city faced stress and poor nutrition, but was not devastated by plague.