Face of a Pharaoh

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- In 1910, egyptologists discovered smallpox scars on the face of the mummy of Ramses V - the earliest evidence of smallpox in human history. Andrew explains the origins of the disease, and traces its spread into the modern era.
- Credits
  - Written and Presented by Andrew Chater
    
    Original Music: Sandy Nuttgens
    Assistant Producer: Laura Viner
    Consultant: Dr Sanjoy Bhattacharya, UCL
    With thanks to Dan Moorhouse
    
    Site designed by Michael Davies
    
    Site developer: Clement Cordier
    
    Online Producer: Paul Trainor
    
    Photographed, Edited and Produced by: Jon Adams
    
    Copyright: Adams Trainor / Andrew Chater

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Smallpox Through Time

1.Face of a Pharaoh

1045 BC

An exploration of the origins of smallpox from the ancient world into the early modern era. (3.75 mins)

2.Arsenic and Old Lace

1562-1620 next video 2/13

Secondary Resources

: 1. What is smallpox?
Smallpox is a highly contagious and often fatal... Read more

: 2. Infection and death
Infection spread from person to person by inhalation... Read more

: 3. The origins of smallpox
Most likely it evolved from a virus affecting animals... Read more

: 4. Smallpox in the classical world
Classical writers describe epidemics... Read more

: 5. Smallpox arrives in Europe
We don't know exactly when smallpox reached Europe, but... Read more

The module was shot at the British Museum, in London's Bloomsbury, the largest and most comprehensive museum of human history in the world. We were privileged enough to have access early in the morning, before the public arrived, and filmed in the Sculpture Gallery.

The Museum houses seven million objects - from which the curator of the Museum, Neil MacGregor, recently chose a hundred for his magisterial 'History of the World' which is accessible as a podcast from the BBC. And the BBC have a 'History of the World' timeline, accessible here.

Our Sponsor: The Wellcome Trust

The Wellcome Trust

The Wellcome Trust is a global charity dedicated to achieving improvements in human and animal health.

Timelines: "Smallpox through Time" was entirely funded with through a Wellcome Trust Public Engagement Award. We are very grateful for the Trust's support in the making of this resource.