Tuberculosis (TB): Dating back over 3,000 years, TB is one of the oldest known infectious diseases, with evidence found in ancient Egyptian mummies.
Malaria: Ancient Egyptian mummies from around 1,500 BCE show evidence of malaria, making it one of the oldest diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
Schistosomiasis: This disease, caused by parasitic flatworms, is evident in Egyptian mummies dating to 1200 BCE, affecting the urinary and digestive systems.
Leprosy: Skeletal remains with signs of leprosy have been found in various ancient civilizations, with written records dating back to around 600 BCE.
Syphilis: While its origins are debated, syphilis is documented in Europe in the late 15th century, with historical records referring to it as the "Great Pox."
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Skeletal evidence indicates that this autoimmune disease has afflicted humans for centuries, causing joint inflammation and pain.
Cancer: Not a single disease but a group of related conditions, cancer has been recorded in ancient medical texts and archaeological remains, showing its historical presence.