The Archaeology of Disease

The Archaeology of Disease shows how the latest scientific and archaeological techniques can be used to identify the common illnesses and injuries from which humans suffered in antiquity. The book offers a vivid 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. It focuses on trauma, tumours, arthritis, 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. This fully revised third edition has been updated to encompass the rapidly developing research methods in this fascinating field.