Themes in paleopathology

The identification and diagnosis of pathological conditions in human skeletal remains is a key component of paleopathology. However, a number of themes emanate from interpretations of pathological lesions, which extend beyond diagnosis. These themes are rooted in social and identity theory, including feminist and gender theory and the intersectionality of sex, gender, and age, and theories regarding structural violence and human impairment, disability, and care. Each has become critical in the interpretation of pathological lesions in skeletal and mummified remains. Similarly, evaluating and interpreting pathological conditions on the individual level, as well as at the population level, plays an important role in our understanding of the scope and impact of health and disease in the past.