Biological Warfare: From Ancient Sieges to Russia's Secret Laboratories

This special Unexplained History broadcast follows biological warfare from its disputed Bronze Age beginnings through medieval sieges, colonial smallpox, Japan's Unit 731, Western programs, and the treaty intended to end them. The second half investigates the Soviet biological weapons system, the Aralsk smallpox outbreak, the Sverdlovsk anthrax disaster, defectors, inspections, and accidents at Russian research facilities.

We close with the October 2026 death of an Irkutsk anti-plague institute employee and the evidence behind reports of pneumonic plague. The October 10 WHO bulletin reports no evidence of ongoing transmission on the information provided, while the cause of the death remains unknown and a laboratory exposure cannot be fully excluded. Research is current through October 12. This episode distinguishes documented history, government assessments, testimony, and unresolved reporting.

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🎧 Unexplained History explores the myths, mysteries, and misunderstood moments that shaped our world. Hosted by Tom Mackenzie and Don Masterson. New episodes every week.

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History, Mystery, True Crime, Conspiracy, Paranormal, CIA, Cold War, Ancient Aliens, Archaeology, Unsolved, Supernatural, Tom McKenzie, Audio Drama, Storytelling, Documentaries.

This episode includes AI-generated content.