The archaeology of disease

Description

The Archaeology of Disease shows how the latest scientific and archaeological techniques can be used to identify the common illnesses and injuries that humans suffered from in antiquity. The authors study the evidence that can be gained 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 their social, economic and cultural consequences. This completely revised editon of the book includes case studies from all over the world and gives a full account of the rapid technical advances which have dramaticallly increased our knowledge of illness in the distant past. In order to give a vivid picture of ancient disease and trauma the authors present the results of the latest scientific research and incorporate information gathered from documents, from other areas of archaeology and from art and ethnography. The clinical knowledge that can be gained about specific ailments and accidents is set in context by considering ancient demography, basic bone biology, funerary practices and prehistoric medicine. The book provides a practical, up-to-date account of this important topic, and it is written in a clear and accessible style which should make it a stimulating introduction for readers who are not specialists in the field. It will also be required reading for undergraduate and postgraduate archaeology and anthropology students, professional and amateur archaeologists and medical historians.

Description

"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. Charlotte Roberts and Keith Manchester offer a vivid picture of ancient disease and trauma by combining the results of scientific research with information gathered from documents, other areas of archaeology, art and ethnography. The book contains information on congenital, infectious, dental, joint, endocrine and metabolic diseases. The authors provide a clinical context for specific ailments and accidents and consider the relevance of ancient demography, basic bone biology, funerary practices and prehistoric medicine. This fully revised third edition has been updated and encompasses rapidly developing research methods of this fascinating field."--Jacket.

Subjects

Other Editions

• The archaeology of diseaseCornell University Press2005-01-01
• The archaeology of diseaseSutton1995-01-01
• Archaeology of DiseaseHistory Press Limited, The2005-01-01
• Archaeology of DiseaseHistory Press Limited, The2010-01-01
• Archaeology of DiseaseHistory Press Limited, The2010-01-01