The Archaeology of a Global Disease Vector (360G-Wellcome-209817_Z_17_Z)

Black rat (Rattus rattus) is a major pest and disease vector, implicated most famously in the 14th-century Black Death. In temperate climates, it is dependent on dense, generally urban settlements with regular communications, making it relevant to the spread of disease more broadly. Despite this significance, little is known about the European history of rats. Originating in sub-tropical Asia and reaching Europe by the Roman period, apparent post-Roman range contraction and subsequent medieval recovery are poorly documented, limiting understanding of rats’ role in disease—e.g. their distribution during the 7th-C Justinian plague remains obscure. Archaeological remains are the key resource for clarifying rats’ historical biogeography. This project will enable systematic realisation of their potential, by: convening a network of leading experts from multiple disciplines; evaluating current knowledge and identifying key outstanding questions; obtaining proof-of-concept for future zooarchaeological/archaeogenetic research. Activities include: an initial expert workshop; quantitative synthesis of existing archaeological data; targeted zooarchaeological research in under-studied areas; and pilot archaeogenetic research on rat and pathogen aDNA. Results will be disseminated via a session at the leading international zooarchaeology conference and a position paper, forming the basis for an ambitious future research programme. Keywords: Rattus, black rat, biogeography, plague, public health