The origin of syphilis has long been shrouded in mystery and myth. Drawing on recent archaeological discoveries, careful research, and observations by experts from a wide range of disciplines, Mystery of Syphilis attempts to unravel this complex narrative and separate fact from fiction.
For years, the initial spread of syphilis was thought to be an act of revenge. When Columbus crossed the Atlantic in 1492, he brought a variety of infectious diseases with him. In retaliation for this crime, Native Americans sent their own commercial strains of infection to European shores. Columbus returned the following year, bringing news of the New World, but also new diseases. Then, the first recorded outbreak of syphilis swept across Europe, devastating the region.
This is one version of the story. In 1994, the archaeologists began writing another article. Excavating the ruins of a medieval cemetery in Hull, they found the remains of monks with signs of syphilis, including pot marks on the skull, holes in the trays and obvious scars and lesions on the leg bones. Carbon dating shows that the burials occurred long before Columbus’ epic voyage.
How these celibate religious figures contracted a disease that is often spread through sexual promiscuity is just one part of the maze that researchers have faced following this groundbreaking discovery. The film showcases this incredible process through convincing re-enactments, authentic excavation material, and interviews with multiple historians, archaeologists, and paleopathologists. How did they substantiate their findings, and to what extent did their conclusions require a complete rewriting of history? We learn about ancient British customs and culture, how syphilis has mutated over the centuries, and what caused it to spread to specific parts of the country.
As our view of history continues to evolve, some of these conclusions will no doubt raise further questions for future generations. The Mystery of Syphilis values an ongoing dialogue with our past. The film is both a compelling detective story and a compelling history lesson.
Directed by: Amy Bucher, Christopher Salt
