Asian Journal of Paleopathology Vol.5, 1–7, 2023
Received: January 5, 2023
Accepted: January 31, 2023
DOI: 10.32247/ajp2023.5.1

Review
21st century paleopathology: Integrating theoretical models with biomedical advances

Jane E. Buikstra, Elizabeth W. Uhl

Abstract
   The study of pathological changes in ancient animal (including human) tissues extends across the centuries, beginning with speculations about beings who populated imagined worlds. As the field of paleopathology has matured, the integration of biomedical sciences with theoretical models continues, frequently supported by methodological advances. Here we propose a 21" century paleopathology that integrates phylogenetic models about the global history of disease derived from archaeological, historical, and genomics of contemporary pathogens with the targeted use of archaeogenomics. Case studies are drawn from tuberculosis, the morbilliviruses, and glanders. We also consider more broadly the impact of domestication upon disease spillovers, with particular emphasis upon chickens and pigs. A discussion of the probable impacts of animal management on animal (including human) health in the production of animal mummies in ancient Egypt closes the essay.

Key words
ONE Paleopathology, tuberculosis, morbilliviruses, glanders, domestication, mummification