European infectious disease and depopulation of the Wendat-Tionontate (Huron-Petun)

Abstract

The timing and impact of depopulation of the Wendat-Tionontate (Huron-Petun) was examined using historical, epidemiological, archaeological, and bioarchaeological data. Historical and epidemiological research indicates that the documented 1634–40 epidemics that devastated Wendat-Tionontate villages had their origins in the large numbers of European children who emigrated in the 1630s to the New World colonies from the disease-ridden cities of England, Netherlands, and France. There is no evidence in Wendat-Tionontate archaeological settlement remains or large burial populations for any significant outbreak of European disease prior to ad 1634.