Scientists find a pair of unlucky rats that were mummified in tar 650 years ago… and think they might unlock the secrets of the Black Death

• Two rodents have been unearthed by archaeologists in Estonia

Scientists studying preserved rats which were mummified in tar have claimed that they are close to uncovering the secrets of the deadly Black Death. 

Two 650-year-old rodents have been unearthed by archaeologists and stomach and hair samples are being tested in Finland for signs the plague. 

They were found in surprisingly good condition and still have a ‘rat-like appearance,’ despite dating back to 1373, told The Times.

The find is being broadcasted on Channel 4’s Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World on April 13. 

They were discovered on the Tallinn Hanseatic shipwreck in Estonia. 

Bettany told The Times: ‘A barrel of tar had fallen over and mummified them, so they have been preserved in tar. 

“You don’t get organic material like that preserved from the 14th century. It’s almost unheard of. 

‘My jaw was on the floor because I was not expecting [the remains] to still look rat-like.’

Hughes shared how the results could show what variant caused the Black Death.

Scientists hope the tests on the rats will reveal what sailors were eating at the time – which could be what the rats would have also been munching.

The 700-year-old ship has unlocked many secrets of the past after it was discovered in 2022 during construction work in the Estonian capital.   

Another historic wreck had also been found 164ft (50 metres) away in 2008.