A dieta dos leprosos numa gafaria medieval: O caso de Coimbra

Abstract

This paper aims to present the diet of the lepers from the Leper House or Saint Lazarus Hospital of Coimbra. Starting from the regiment granted by King Afonso IV, in 1329, we describe the individual diet of Coimbra lepers. We also present the several pitances given throughout the year to enrich and complement the lepers' meals. At the same time, we evaluate the therapeutic procedures from classical antiquity and medieval physicians towards lepers and people that feared leprosy. This way, we study the effects of food in the disease's treatment or, at least, the strengthening of the sickened body, delaying the inevitable.