Palaeopathology of Human Skeletons and its Relevance to Understand the History of Epidemics

Palaeopathology, is the study of ancient diseases from skeletal remains. It is one of the developing disciplines in archaeology. In recent years, developments in methodology and technology including microscopy, isotope analysis, advancement in radiographic techniques have provided large scope for the field. It is not restricted to aDNA of an individual; itis further tries to get aDNA of pathogens. Currently the world is going through the Covid pandemic, but earlier times the human populations have experienced many epidemics/pandemics. The earlier recorded epidemic is Antonin plague belonging to 165-180 AD. After that there are various epidemics encountered. But the presence of contagious diseases are present from prehistoric times. There are some indications of diseases on bones and some are to be postulated from indirect evidence. In this regard, the study of ancient diseases is very important and applicable to understand its overall effect on human life in general. The present presentation is regarding the history of epidemics and how we can understand its impact though skeletal evidence from Protohistoic times and how it is helpful to understand the current pandemic experience by the global population