The origin of syphilis in Europe has been debated for years. A few theories exist to explain the introduction of syphilis to Europe (and the Americas).
Where did syphilis come from?
Columbian Theory
The Columbian theory proposes that Christopher Columbus and his crew were responsible for bringing syphilis back to Europe with them from native Americans. The Columbian theory is disputed by scientists who claim that syphilis was present in Europe long before Columbus explored the “New World”.
Pre-Columbian Theory
The finding of bone lesions consistent with syphilis in the remains of a medieval woman found in Essex, England, dating to circa 1296-1445 suggest that syphilis was already present there before Columbus discovered the New World.
The “pre-Columbian” theory is supported by the finding of suspected syphilis at a 13-14th century Augustinian friary in north-eastern England where carbon dated skeletons of monks showed bone lesions typical of syphilis.
Still others maintain that Scandinavian traders and Vikings transmitted syphilis during their invasions of European ports.
Skeletons showing symptoms of congenital syphilis have also been described in Pompeii supporting the pre-Columbian theory.
Prior to the 1490s, it is likely that syphilis was either unrecognized and/or confused with other diseases.
Earlier accounts of syphilis have also been described including a case recorded in 2637 B.C. in China, and in 1303 C.E. in Europe.
Other theories suggest that treponemal organisms responsible for other non-venereal diseases and spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or sharing drinking vessels (e.g. Yaws, bejel) were brought to Europe from Central Africa or the New World and evolved to the species responsible for syphilis.
Epidemics
Despite the disagreement on the origin of syphilis in Europe, the reasons for the rapid spread of syphilis throughout Europe are indisputable.
Disease and war share an intimate relationship. Sexually transmitted infection and war share an intimate relationship. Syphilis and war share an intimate relationship.
Syphilis epidemics raged through troops and civilians in Europe during the 130 year long French invasion of Italy. Troops were stationed in villages engaged in sexual relationships with local women and prostitutes encouraging the spread of syphilis among troops and civilians.
During World War I it is estimated that up to 10% of troops were infected with syphilis.
Rapid treatment centres were set up during World War II to treat troops infected with syphilis and gonorrhoeae.
Alleged Syphilitics of History:
- Pope Alexander VI
- Ivan the Terrible
- Henry VIII
- Hernon Cortes
- Francis I
- Charles Baudelaire
- Meriwhether Lewis
- Friedrich Nietzche
- Heinrich Heine
- Gaetano Donizetti
- Toulouse Lautrec
- Randolph Churchill (Winston Churchill’s father)
- Al Capone
- Scott Joplin
It is also rumoured that:
- Adolf Hitler had syphilis and that the disease may have accounted for some of his actions. Deborah Hayden in her book “Pox: Genius, Madness and the Mysteries of Syphilis” suggests that Hitler had many symptoms consistent with advanced syphilis.
- Shakespeare had syphilis. The evidence to support syphilis in Shakespeare’s case is somewhat subjective, based on a suggestion that Shakespeare was preoccupied with syphilis in his writing and may have been promiscuous. It does not seem unusual that a disease that was prominent in Shakespeare’s era found its way into his literary works.
Synonyms for syphilis:
- Great imposter
- Great impersonator
- Great pox
- The Black Lion
- Disease of Naples
- Italian pox
- French pox (Morbus gallicus)
- Turkish disease
- Spanish disease
- Lues
- Cupid's Diseas
- Grandgore
Read more about syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections:
Syphilis Infection: Sexually Transmitted Spirochete
Syphilis Diagnosis: Treponema Pallidum Testing
Syphilis Symptoms: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Syphilis
Uncomplicated Gonorrhoea: Urethritis and Cervicitis
Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions About Syphilis
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