Cultures have displayed human remains as part of their mortuary practices and as gruesome trophies since ancient times. Today human remains can be seen in museums, in churches and ossuaries, in universities, and even in art galleries. Though certainly ethically… Read More ›
Paleopathology
Golden eyes, bronze legs, and wooden toes: Amputation and prosthetics in the ancient world
Although pirates and peg legs are inextricably linked, evidence for amputations and artificial body parts date to antiquity. Limbs have been amputated for thousands of years because of injuries received during battle or accidents, as a treatment for a disease… Read More ›
The scourge of scurvy and the demise of Europe’s first settlement in the Western Hemisphere
Scurvy is a metabolic disease caused by a lack of dietary vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in fresh fruits and vegetables that contribute electrons to enzymes that participate in collagen synthesis. Since humans can’t… Read More ›
Lion face: A rare condition characterized by overgrown facial bones
Leontiasis ossea, or lion face, is a historical term with no clinical significance used to characterize an overgrowth of the facial and cranial bones that can be caused by several diseases. Although lion face is most frequently associated with… Read More ›
Black Death skeletons unearthed by Crossrail project
Black Death skeletons unearthed by Crossrail project By James Morgan Science reporter, BBC News Between 1347 and 1351 the “Great Pestilence” swept westward across Europe killing millions of people. It later became known as the Black Death. It arrived on… Read More ›
The earliest evidence of a gigantism-like disease found in a 3,800-year-old California skeleton
Earliest Evidence of Gigantism-Like Disease Found in 3,800-Year-Old California Skeleton The remains of a man buried 3,800 years ago in a richly decorated California grave bear some unusual but unmistakable features — a protruding brow, a lantern jaw, thick leg… Read More ›
Archaeologists unearth the remains of a medieval warrior who had leprosy
Italian archaeologists working in a medieval cemetery of Campochiaro in Central Italy excavated hundreds of graves that date to between the 6th and 8th centuries A.D. In an article published a few years ago, the archaeologists describe the remains of… Read More ›
Ancient mass grave unearthed at Italian gallery thought to contain dozens of plague victims
Medieval mass grave unearthed at Uffizi Gallery in Italy. It’s thought to contain 60 plague victims
Tuberculosis bacteria have been consuming spines for centuries.
In 1891 during an excavation in Thebes, French Egyptologist Eugène Grébaut discovered a mummy from the 21st dynasty (between 1077 BC and 943 BC). The mummified body belonged to Nespaheran, a priest of Amun, who was between 25 and 30… Read More ›
The incarnation of an eight-limbed goddess and a medical marvel.
In October of 2005 a baby girl was born with 4 arms, 4 legs, and 2 torsos in a remote region of India called Bihar. She was named after the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi, because of her… Read More ›
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