Natural and socio-cultural factors of epidemics (plague, smallpox): The example of the Adyghe population of the Northwest Caucasus
Journal: Kuban Scientific Medical Bulletin
Year: 2024

Background . The article discusses the problem of the impact of epidemic diseases on ethnogenesis. As an ancient agricultural ethnic group in contact with nomadic and Mediterranean populations, the Adyghe were formed during periods of frequent epidemics of dangerous diseases caused by the process of animal domestication and subsequent impact of anthropogenic factors. The devastating effect of smallpox and measles pandemics was felt following the establishment of intensive trade exchange during t