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First Mediterranean Mass Grave Linked to Justinian Plague Discovered

1/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A US-led research team confirmed the first Mediterranean mass grave linked to the Justinian plague at Jerash, Jordan.
The findings, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, show over 200 individuals buried in a single event.
Lead author Rays Jiang said pandemics are social events that affect diverse, mobile populations.
The study presents genetic analysis of Yersinia pestis to provide evidence of the plague and links to the sixth-to-eighth centuries.

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Story summary

A US-led research team confirmed the first Mediterranean mass grave linked to the Justinian plague at Jerash, Jordan.
The findings, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, show over 200 individuals buried in a single event.
Lead author Rays Jiang said pandemics are social events that affect diverse, mobile populations.
The study presents genetic analysis of Yersinia pestis to provide evidence of the plague and links to the sixth-to-eighth centuries.