Bioterrorism is an ancient weapon that has been revised in the 21st century. As early as the 6th century B.C. the Assyrians poisoned wells of their enemies with rye ergot.

1442

In 1422, plague-stricken soldiers were sent among the enemy at Carolstein to spread the epidemic.

1767

In 1767, the English General Sir Jeffrey Amherst is held responsible for passing smallpox laced blankets among the Indians loyal to the French during the French & Indian Wars.

1984

In 1984 and outbreak of Salmonella poisoning that occurred in Oregon during a two-week period is linked to a Rajneesh religious cult. More than 700 people were affected and there were no fatalities.

1992

In 1992, Kurdistan Worker's Party, a guerilla group in southeastern Turkey is credited with poisoning Turkish water supplies with cyanide.

1995

In 1995, a substance identified as Sarin Nerve Gas was released in the Tokyo subway system by the Japanese cult Aum Shinrikyo. Twelve people died and thousands were hospitalized.

2001

The year 2001 brought bioterrorism into the 21st century with the anthrax attacks at the U.S. postal offices.