The paleopathology and the study of disease in the past

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9789/2525-3050.2021.v6i11.22-38

Keywords:

Paleopathology , Archaeology, Bones, Skeletons , Health

Abstract

The study of human diseases in the past, known as paleopathology, has contributed substantially to our understanding of human behavior and its relationship with the environment throughout history. Paleopathology presents itself as a substantial source of information about human-disease interaction, working with an extensive source of direct material – human remnants – mostly hailing from archaeological sites. This article reviews the current literature on paleopathology and the theoretical-methodological aspects of diagnosing disease in the past, addressing its history, the specificities of the work and its limitations, presenting elements for a reflection on the possibilities of collaboration with the investigation of major epidemics, such as the Sars-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

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Author Biography

Andersen Liryo, Museu Nacional/UFRJ

Doutor em Saúde Pública pela Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/FIOCRUZ). Atualmente é Professor Adjunto III do Departamento de Antropologia do Museu Nacional/UFRJ. Atua como perito rotativo do Grupo de Trabalho Perus (GTP), que busca os desaparecidos da vala clandestina de Perus/SP.

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Published

2021-09-28 — Updated on 2021-09-28

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How to Cite

Liryo, A. (2021). The paleopathology and the study of disease in the past. Revista M. Estudos Sobre a Morte, Os Mortos E O Morrer, 6(11), 22–38. https://doi.org/10.9789/2525-3050.2021.v6i11.22-38