# First ancient smallpox genomes confirm colonisers brought disease 2026-08-08T19:45:39+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Scientists have recovered the first ancient smallpox genomes from the Americas, directly proving European colonisers brought the disease to South America. The DNA came from human remains in Chile. The strains belong to a now-extinct lineage that split from European strains around 1296. The virus actively adapted to human hosts until the mid-16th century, then stabilised for 200 years. Smallpox caused Indigenous populations to collapse after European contact. The Hindu reports that this is the first direct molecular evidence confirming the historical account. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: ancient DNA, European colonisation, indigenous history, smallpox, South America Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/first-ancient-smallpox-genomes-confirm-colonisers-brought-disease/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/first-ancient-smallpox-genomes-confirm-colonisers-brought-disease/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.