Enamel Hypoplasias in Archaeological Skeletal Remains

Abstract

Paleopathology enables us to understand the nature, causes and frequency of diseases of past populations. This interdisciplinary research enlarges the scope of methods and techniques which leads to a better knowledge of, in particular, the etiology and the epidemiology of ancient diseases. Furthermore, the results of paleopathological investigations on skeletal remains of prehistoric and historic populations illuminate living conditions, such as nutrition, housing and working conditions in ancient times. Enamel hypoplasias are found in many populations all around the world and from all time periods (cf. Fig. 1 a, b). Thus, anthropologists and paleopathologists are very familiar with this tooth morphology.