A syphilis outbreak in late 15th-century Europe has sparked debate over its origins—whether it came from the Americas or existed in Europe prior to Columbus’s voyages. Recent genomic studies suggest syphilis, alongside related diseases, originated in the Americas, contradicting earlier theories that linked its emergence to European contact with the New World. The outbreak coincided with Charles VIII of France’s Italian campaign in 1495, marking the first recorded instance of syphilis in Europe. This led to speculation about the disease’s introduction via Columbus and his crew. While many diseases crossed from Europe to the Americas during colonial times, syphilis is thought to be one of the few that may have traveled in the opposite direction. A hypothesis known as the “Columbian theory” has gained traction, but its validity is still debated. New research involving five ancient genomes from archaeological sites in the Americas reinforces the notion that these diseases were already present long before European contact. This study highlights the Americas as a center of ancient diversity for syphilis and its relatives, suggesting that European colonialism played a key role in their global spread starting in the late 15th century. Further research is needed to clarify Europe’s pre-Columbian disease landscape.
