The Archaeology of Disease

This text shows how scientific and archaeological techniques can be used to identify the common illnesses and injuries from which humans suffered in antiquity. Charlotte Roberts and Keith Manchester study evidence gleaned from written records and works of art as well as from ancient human remains, and they combine a clinical interpretation of prevalent diseases with a graphic description of thier social, economic, and cultural consequences. This edition includes case studies from around the world and gives an account of the rapid technical advances that have dramatically increased our knowledge of illness in the distant past. The book offers a picture of ancient disease and trauma by combining the results of scientific research with information gathered from documents, from other areas of archaeology, and from art and ethnography. Chapters focus on trauma, tumours, arthritis, and congenital, infectious, dental and metabolic diseases. The authors provide a context for clinical knowledge about specific ailments and accidents by considering ancient demography, basic bone biology, funerary practices, and prehistoric medicine.