These behaviors hint at a shared evolutionary heritage, implying that kissing might have ancient origins predating human civilization.
The Kiss and Disease
Yet, with the embrace of kissing came unforeseen consequences. Kissing can spread germs and disease.
Researchers also point to evidence that the early spread of orally transmitted diseases such as cold sores could have been down to the ancient kissing.
Scholars speculate that the transmission of oral pathogens, including herpes simplex virus 1 and diphtheria, may have been facilitated by ancient kissing practices.
Dr. Arbøll points to medical texts from Mesopotamia, which describe symptoms resembling modern-day herpes infections, hinting at a historical link between kissing and disease transmission.
The Legacy of the Human Kiss
It’s now clear that the human kiss transcends time and culture. From the poetic verses of ancient Mesopotamia to the intimate gestures of bonobo chimpanzees, kissing emerges as a universal expression of love and connection.
