New Insights into Napoleon’s Retreat from Russia

Researchers have unveiled new findings regarding the diseases that afflicted Napoleon’s army during their ill-fated retreat from Russia in 1812. This gives a clearer understanding of what contributed to the French general’s military failure.

A recent study published on November 3 in Current Biology examined DNA extracted from the teeth of French soldiers interred in a mass grave in Vilnius, Lithuania. These men were part of the approximately 300,000 French troops who perished during this campaign.

Interestingly, the analysis revealed the presence of bacteria responsible for paratyphoid fever and louse-borne relapsing fever, suggesting that these diseases were rampant among soldiers already suffering from starvation and extreme cold.

While historians have long documented the grim conditions that led to the soldiers’ deaths, these particular pathogens had not been identified until now.

After making advancements toward Moscow, Napoleon’s forces faced rapid disintegration. The harsh winter, dwindling supplies, and relentless counterattacks forced the French emperor to turn back.

Study author Nicholas Raskovan noted to Reuters that Vilnius played a crucial role in the retreat route of 1812. The mass grave examined holds the remains of roughly 3,000 soldiers.

“Many soldiers arrived exhausted, hungry, and sick,” explained the microbiologist. “A substantial number passed away and were promptly buried in mass graves.”

Raskovan also pointed out that while starvation, frigid temperatures, and typhus were already recognized as major causes of death, the study effectively confirmed the significance of paratyphoid fever and louse-borne relapsing fever, which may have worsened the suffering.

Four of the 13 soldiers tested positive for Salmonella paratyphi, while two were positive for Salmonella relapsing fever. Both of these bacterial infections can lead to fever, headaches, and weakness, often spreading in crowded and unsanitary conditions.

Paratyphoid fever typically spreads through contaminated food and water, whereas louse-borne relapsing fever is transmitted by body lice. Raskovan emphasized that analyzing ancient DNA allows researchers to identify diseases that might not be explained solely through symptoms.

He also highlighted the alarming state of hygiene during that time, as noted by the co-occurrence of pathogens that spread in different ways.

“Future studies across more locations and individuals will enhance our understanding of these diseases in 1812,” he concluded.