- Two rodents were discovered by archaeologists in Estonia
Scientists studying rats preserved and mummified in tar have claimed they are close to unlocking the secrets of the deadly Black Death.
Two 650-year-old rodents have been discovered by archaeologists and stomach and hair samples are being analyzed in Finland for signs of plague.
They were found in surprisingly good condition and still have a “rat-like appearance”, despite dating back to 1373, The Times said.
The discovery will be shown on Channel 4’s Treasures of the World by Bettany Hughes on April 13.
Two rodents have been discovered by archaeologists and stomach and hair samples are being tested in Finland for signs of the plague.
They were found in surprisingly good condition and still have a “rat-like appearance”, although they date back to 1373. (Stock image)
They were discovered on the wreck of the Hanseatic ship Tallinn in Estonia.
Bettany told the Times: “A barrel of tar had fallen and mummified them, so they were preserved in tar.
“We don’t get organic matter like that preserved in the 14th century. It’s almost unheard of.
“My jaw was on the floor because I didn’t expect (the remains) to still look like those of a rat.”
Hughes explained how the results could show which variant caused the Black Death.
Scientists hope that tests on the rats will reveal what sailors were eating at the time – which could be what the rats would have also been munching on.
The 700-year-old ship revealed many secrets of the past after its discovery in 2022 during construction work in the Estonian capital.
Another historic wreck was also discovered 50 meters away in 2008.
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