Palaeopathology and Archaeothanatology

Palaeopathology and archaeothanatology are often related due to the fact that, for example, low power microscopic examination of bone surfaces will reveal not only traces of pathological alterations but also of (post mortem) manipulations. Four different levels of insight allow views from different perspectives on the pathologically altered bone. First level: macroscopy and low power microscopy, second level: radiology, third level: microscopy and SEM, fourth level: molecular. This also allows different insights into post mortem manipulation of the body.

The palaeopathological record should be seen in the funerary archaeological context. This is still a quite neglected field in funerary archaeology. It consists of several levels: 1) the deceased itself, 2) the burial container, 3) the reuse of the container, 4) the location of the burial, 5) the chronology, and 6) the social status.

Keywords:

Anthropology, Archaeothanatology, Palaeopathology, Taphonomy