Cholera and the Death of the Ancient Indus Civilization

The paper presents a hypothesis that the most probable cause of death ancient world Indus (Harappa) civilization was epidemic Asiatic cholera. A brief description existed for two millennia (3300–1300 BC) is given. It shown previously described factors decline thriving (climate change, shallowing river and reduction in floods, catastrophic drought, economic crisis, etc.) do not provide consistent comprehensive explanation causes its death. Meanwhile, natural environment peculiarities agriculture (annual floods affecting only fields, but also sewage systems) created ideal conditions spread water-borne evolution cholera agent discussed. results paleogenomics study this pathogen their significance reconstruction evolutionary events are briefly reviewed. stages Vibrio cholerae classical biovar described, possible mechanisms preservation during inter-epidemic period considered. demonstrated aside from cholera, other catastrophic, destructive epidemics recorded history mankind.