What is the history of viruses

Viruses, in some sense, have been known to human societies for thousands of years, mainly that some forms of illnesses can be contagious. Even relatively early evidence from nearly 4000 years ago suggests people understood that it was necessary to quarantine infected individuals. While that has been the case, our specific understanding of viruses and the knowledge of their existence is far more recent.

Early Understanding of Viruses

Early evidence from Mari, a city in modern Syria, indicates by about 4000 year BP, people who had symptoms of the cold or flue were isolated from other individuals. There is no indication that anyone understood what caused such sicknesses, but it is clear that they understood that viral infections could spread, leading to the creation of a type of quarantine system with isolated rooms built for sick individuals.